The media has been an integral part of English football for over a century, evolving from printed match reports in newspapers to a multi-platform, 24/7 industry that shapes how the sport is perceived and experienced. In its early days, football coverage was limited to written reports and black-and-white photographs, primarily focusing on match results and player performances. Over time, the introduction of radio and television broadcasts brought the game into people’s living rooms, making it more accessible and engaging. The advent of cable networks like Sky Sports in the early 1990s marked a major turning point with the formation of the Premier League. Football transformed from a weekend pastime into a daily spectacle, featuring live matches, in-depth analysis shows, and post-match discussions, turning the sport into a year-round obsession.
The relentless pressure on managers
In English football, especially the Premier League, managing a team is akin to navigating a minefield—every choice is scrutinized, and every mistake magnified. With the media’s round-the-clock coverage, even the smallest misstep can escalate into a full-scale controversy, piling immense pressure on those at the helm. Managers are expected to deliver immediate results, often with little regard for the complexities of rebuilding teams, managing injuries, or simply needing time to bring the squad together. The English media plays a significant role in shaping these expectations, creating narratives that can undermine a manager’s credibility overnight. The good example for that is when media played a significant role in amplifying the pressure on Frank Lampard during his stay as Chelsea manager. With Chelsea’s heavy investment in players like Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, media narratives set sky-high expectations for immediate success at that time. Chelsea’s inconsistent form and Lampard’s inability to get the best out of his expensive signings, the press frequently highlighted Chelsea’s poor standing in the league table, fueling speculation about Lampard’s future and creating a sense of inevitability about his dismissal. This constant coverage not only intensified fan frustration but also placed additional pressure on Chelsea’s board to act decisively, ultimately contributing to Lampard’s sacking. As time passes, it’s becoming clearer that Frank Lampard may not have been the manager as many expected, despite his legendary status as a player. However, it’s important to consider how the intense pressure from the media may have impacted his performance during his time at Chelsea.
On the other hand, I will mention an example of a manager who achieved great success, winning the Premier League title at a club with lower expectations, is Claudio Ranieri at Leicester. Ranieri led Leicester to a remarkable Premier League title in the 2015-2016 season, one of the biggest sensations in the history of the Premier League, despite the club being considered underdogs with minimal pre-season expectations, defying odds of 5000-1. The media, while recognizing Leicester’s underdog story, didn’t heap the same expectations or demands on Ranieri as they did on managers at the so-called “top six” clubs. Ranieri wasn’t burdened by the constant, intense media scrutiny that often surrounds high-profile teams. His calm mentality, paired with a tactical approach that focused on teamwork and discipline, was able to flourish without the weight of relentless public criticism. “Things turned upside-down quickly for Claudio Ranieri. He was sacked by Leicester City on February 23, 2017, just nine months after leading the club to a historic Premier League title in the 2015-2016 season. The decision came during a poor run of results the following season, with Leicester sitting just one point above the relegation zone and winless in their last nine matches across all competitions. Despite Ranieri’s achievement, the board prioritized Premier League survival over sentimentality. While media pressure often creates immense challenges for managers, it can also build their legacy by shaping their public personas. Jose Mourinho is a prime example of this duality. Upon his arrival at Chelsea in 2004, his bold declaration of being “The Special One” was a masterstroke in self-promotion, seized upon by a media hungry for captivating stories. This nickname, widely circulated and celebrated by the press, became synonymous with Mourinho’s confidence, tactical brilliance, and theatrical charisma.
Players under media attention
The media spotlight on football players can be both a blessing and a curse. Star players often thrive on media coverage, which elevates their global profiles and helps secure lucrative sponsorship deals. However, for many players, especially younger or less experienced ones, the constant pressure can become overwhelming. The media often hypes young players as the “next big thing,” creating immense expectations that may be impossible to meet. Cases like Jack Wilshere, once touted as the future of English football, show how early praise can quickly turn into harsh criticism when injuries or form issues shows up, and I can mention at least 10 different players in the last 10 years with similar destiny who played in the Premier League.
Transfer speculation is another area where the media can have a damaging impact. Constant rumors about a player’s potential move can destabilize their focus, disrupt team harmony, and create unnecessary pressure. For instance, players like Paul Pogba at Manchester United were frequently under intense media pressure, with discussions about his attitude, performances, and even hairstyles becoming fodder for headlines, often distracting from his on-pitch contributions. He was definitely a player of different level, while he was playing for Juventus or the French national team. The tabloids focusing on trivial or personal matters, like late-night outings or personal relationships, often misrepresenting players or turning minor incidents into major controversies. This level of intrusion can erode players’ privacy and mental well-being, forcing some to seek professional help or step away from their careers.
The double edged sword
The media’s role in English football is a double-edged sword—its influence on players and managers can be both empowering and damaging. The media is essential for elevating players’ careers and increasing the visibility of clubs and competitions. For example, media coverage helped transform Cristiano Ronaldo while playing in Manchester United into global superstar, opening doors to lucrative sponsorships and worldwide recognition. Even today he is a person with most followers on Instagram, with over 644 million followers and breaking records with his new YouTube Channel. In the case of managers like Jose Mourinho, the media can help build larger-than-life personas, as seen with his “Special One” as I mention before. This type of media attention brings with it the potential for players and managers to create lasting legacies. However, the flip side is much harsher. The pressure of constant public observation can lead to players and managers facing harsh criticism for even the smallest missteps. This can have a negative impact on mental well-being, especially for young players who are still developing both on and off the pitch. The unrelenting nature of media coverage, paired with social media’s instant feedback loop, can lead to stress, self-doubt, and even burnout. For managers, the pressure to produce immediate results can be crushing, with their every decision and comment scrutinized in real time. As a result, the media can sometimes create an atmosphere where failure is met with harsh consequences, rather than being seen as part of the natural learning and development process. In my opinion, the media’s treatment of players and managers is often too harsh. The constant pressure feels disproportionate to the effort and passion these individuals put into their roles. While I understand the high demands placed on them—after all, the Premier League is the most popular football league in the world, with the highest streaming numbers and clubs earning massive revenues from media coverage—there needs to be a balance. The media attention can often feel excessive, but it’s important to acknowledge that the media’s influence is part of what makes the Premier League the global spectacle and the most popular football league in the world.
