'Why young British managers need lower league experience'

"Being outside the game for a few years now, I have noticed a real trend of doubt and even negativity about any British managerial appointments by a top-flight club in this country. With Liam, who I have known since he was a young player watching my training sessions at Bristol City more than 25 years ago, everything from his experience to his dress sense has been questioned, but his start to life at Chelsea has been exceptional with five wins in seven games."

"His only defeats have come in both legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. Yes, that exit was a blow but let's remember Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been in the job for more than six years and has produced, with some enormous financial backing and tremendous loyalty towards him by the club, a team that's one of - if not the best - in England and Europe."

"That huge difference in their circumstances has not stopped Liam being criticised by some for his approach in those ties but he has spent almost a decade working his socks off to gain the experience that warrants this opportunity - and his experiences lower down the leagues and in Europe will have taught him the harshness of management and the reaction you get to every defeat."

Liam Rosenior has started at Chelsea with five wins in seven games while facing scepticism about his experience and appearance. His only defeats were in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has led Arsenal for over six years with substantial financial backing and strong club loyalty, contributing to their elite status. Rosenior spent nearly a decade gaining experience in lower leagues and European competitions, learning management’s harsh realities and reactions to defeat. Young British managers may need similar pathways. Managing stress, ignoring media noise, and obtaining time and backing from a club are crucial at elite level.

Read at www.bbc.com