The work of a team should always embrace a great player, but the great player must always work.
To not apologize for the behavior of the players to another manager is unthinkable. It's a disgrace, but I don't expect Wenger to ever apologize...he's that type of person.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes accountability in leadership and the expectation that leaders should take responsibility for their team's actions.
Alex Ferguson's observation highlights the importance of accountability in management and sportsmanship. He criticizes a lack of apology from another manager, suggesting that true leadership involves acknowledging the behavior of one's players, especially when it reflects poorly on the team. Ferguson implies that failing to take responsibility for one's team erodes credibility and respect in sports and leadership contexts.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting to discuss team dynamics, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for team actions.
More from Alex Ferguson
All quotes →I remember the first time I saw him. He was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cockier spaniel chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind.
David Beckham is Britain's finest striker of a football not because of God-given talent but because he practises with a relentless application that the vast majority of less gifted players wouldn't contemplate.
I think Rafael Benítez was an angry man. He must have been disturbed for some reason. I think you have got to cut through the venom of it and hopefully he'll reflect and understand what he said was absolutely ridiculous.
I can't believe it. I can't believe it. Football. Bloody hell.
If he was an inch taller he'd be the best center half in Britain. His father is 6 ft 2 in - I'd check the milkman.
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