Tony Pulis: Why managers must prioritise their physical health

Former football manager Tony Pulis has reflected on the intense demands of the profession, noting that Vincent Kompany's recent health scare serves as a stark reminder of the physical and mental toll football management takes.

Pulis recalled the long list of managers who have dealt with health issues over the years, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp. He highlighted that the job is all-consuming, with the relentless pressure of weekly results often falling squarely on the manager's shoulders.

My management of myself in the early days was really poor. I was eating on the go, driving constantly between jobs, and never prioritised physical exercise. Tony Pulis

After receiving blunt advice from an athlete in 1994, Pulis changed his approach. He began dedicating time to physical challenges, such as marathons and cycling, which helped him manage stress and improve his sleep quality. He also identified spending time with his family as a crucial "release valve" to maintain his mental wellbeing.

Pulis noted that today's managers have access to significantly more support than he did at the start of his career. Initiatives like the League Managers' Association's 'Fit To Manage' programme and increased focus from club medical staff mean that coaching personnel are now better cared for than in previous decades.