What is the Difference Between a Head Coach and a Manager in Football?

There is often confusion among football fans about the difference between the Head Coach and Manager roles. With many glossing over the fact that the positions are quite different from each other. The Manager usually has more responsibilities compared to the Head Coach, but the definitions can change depending on the operations of the football club.

It is important for clubs to make it clear whether they have Manager or Head Coach role in order to ensure the correct philosophy is ran throughout football operations.

What is a Head Coach?

A Head Coach is mainly involved in the tactical running of a football club's players. They'll be closely involved in the fitness of their players and how they perform on the pitch. A Head Coach will also lead a group of coaches who all will have a different specific role for the team. For example, many Head Coaches will have a goalkeeping coach and a set-piece coach. Their main objective is to essentially get a football club winning matches and achieving silverware.

A Head Coach will sometimes also be involved in player transfers, but most likely this will be done by a club's Director of Football.

What is a Manager?

A manager usually has many of the roles associated with a Head Coach, controlling a team and its tactics. But as well as this, a Manager is also concerned with player transfers, player contracts and the youth academy.

A Manager is tasked with recruiting new players for their squad in order to strengthen and challenge for trophies. They are also involved in the decision making process when deciding whether to keep players whose contracts are expiring. They also monitor a club's youth teams to find players who are good enough for the senior team.

What is the Main Difference Between a Head Coach and a Manager?

A Manager usually has more responsibilities than a Head Coach. A Head Coach is just concerned with the team and its tactics, whereas a Manager is also involved with the backroom operations of a club.

Who is an example of a Premier League Head Coach?

Liverpool's Arne Slot is a perfect example here. He is tasked with coaching his players and employing tactics. Backroom operations are mostly controlled by Sporting Director Richard Hughes, who is involved in transfers and contracts.

Who is an example of a Premier League Manager?

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta is a good example of a Premier League Manager. He is tasked with coaching the team as well as being involved with some backroom operations. Despite Arsenal having a Sporting Director, Arteta does have a significant say in football operations.

Is the Manager Role Disappearing?

With many more Premier League clubs appointed sporting directors, it can be argued that the manager role is becoming less popular for top-tier football clubs. They would rather have experts in each aspect of a football club rather than one big boss.