What makes a great football manager?

listen to ‘Man Utd v Real Madrid’ on Audioboo

Tonight sees one of the biggest games of the season in world football. Manchester United host Real Madrid in England and both teams will be competing for a place in the final eight of this season's Champions League.

Future manager of Manchester United one day perhaps?
I took a seat on the Man Utd bench during a tour of Old
Trafford last summer.

But its not really about what's happening on the pitch that is going to fascinate me. This match will be won or lost on the touchline. Tonight will see two of the world's best managers in Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho outwit each other. Who will utilise tactics effectively enough to win? Who will keep calm and carry on to victory? And who will be able to take the initiative to win?

Although the players are in control of the ball during 90 minutes, a manager's decisions make the difference in the end. In both the Scottish and Portuguese managers, we have two gentlemen who are precise in detail when it comes to outlining how to win and two managers who take mental attitude equally as seriously as physical ability. 

Let's also remember that a game can also be won in the media suite. The role of the media is vital and both managers have mastered the art in talking a good game, in order to win a game. But they have also mastered the art in producing a thought provoking performance in front of the cameras and microphones and Mourinho especially has proven this before tonight's tie and on many other previous occasions.

But Sir Alex's experience counts for everything and he's been at this stage of the Champions League many, many times. That doesn't mean Manchester United will prevail by default later on but its certainly an advantage.

Whatever the strengths and weaknesses of both men, it is clear that tonight's match will not necessarily be won on the pitch. It'll be won on the touchline.