Rinus Michels

The legendary Dutch football coach Rinus Michels passed away this week aged 77.

While much has been written about his tactical innovations it is perhaps his man management that deserves a fitting last word. Rudi Krol who played for him summed up his genius thus: “Most of all he gave you a freedom. You never went on the pitch weighed down by what you had to do. He recognised your ability and gave you some respect that you would do the right thing.”

A leadership philosophy that we can all aspire to.