GARY NEVILLE believes managers make bizarre substitutions because they cannot read the game properly.
But he revealed the trick Sir Alex Ferguson used to get a better understanding.
Neville endured a torrid four-month spell in charge of Valencia in his only managerial role.
And the former Manchester United full-back identified being in the dugout as the trickiest part of the gig – and explained his theory why it can lead to mistakes when trying to make changes.
Neville, 48, tweeted: “One of the hardest things I found as a coach (there were many) was reading the game at ground level!
“Sir Alex Ferguson used to watch the first half of a match from the stands to gain a clearer understanding of the game. He even raised the dugouts at Old Trafford.
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“So many coaches make subs that we all think, ‘Why have they done that?’
“I’m convinced it’s because they can’t see the game properly.
“A lot of the time you see legs and bodies and not really what’s happening.
“That’s why a lot of clubs have the coach in the directors’ box watching for them to spot the details.
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“It’s one of the hardest things to do as a coach to get your subs right.
“Watching a game from the perfect viewing point and with the tactical camera gives you an advantage in reading the game.
“Managers used to go in the stand but now the perception is ‘you have to be down with the players’.”
Ferguson’s tactic has been replicated by the likes of Nigel Pearson and Tim Sherwood to varying degrees of success.
But the vast majority of gaffers stay on the touchline to take in the action at pitch level, where they can talk directly to players and their coaching staff.
And Neville reckons current United boss Erik ten Hag is showing signs of becoming a top-class manager with his willingness to make bold calls during matches.
The Sky Sports pundit added on Twitter: “Ferguson was unbelievable at affecting momentum within games and Jose Mourinho was great at Chelsea interfering with games with his subs.
“Wouldn’t say Ten Hag is there yet due to both Ferguson and Jose’s achievements.
“But he makes brilliant substitutions and changes within matches. He doesn’t wait!”
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Ten Hag also did not wait to win his first trophy as Red Devils boss – and end the club’s six-year wait for silverware.
The Dutchman led United to glory in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, with a 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
