The 32 Rules of Massimiliano Allegri (#17 to #20) (Patreon)

17. “Always give the player what they need, not what they want.”

The rule highlights the importance of a coach's ability to manage a team and identify the needs of each player to achieve a common goal. This requires a combination of authoritative leadership and "brutal empathy" towards the players, which involves empathizing with their moods and communicating directly. It is crucial to have an awareness of one's strengths and leadership and to recognize the qualities of individuals, which leads to non-coercive authority. The speech is similar to that of a parent with their children. Managing a workgroup is complex and requires the evaluation of each player individually and the adoption of the most appropriate behavior towards them. A proper diet and recognition of individual qualities can prevent injuries and improve performance.

18. “As a business manager, I build a winning team.”

The main takeaway from this rule is that as a business manager, the coach needs to build a winning team by creating effective communication networks and delegating tasks to highly competent staff members. The coach should also be aware of the economic strategies and objectives of the club and contribute to its success by being realistic and keeping his feet on the ground. It is essential to have continuous dialogue with the staff, including doctors, nutritionists, and direct collaborators. A coach must also understand the role of sponsors and television in modern football and create a good relationship with them. The coach must be a good manager, combining several functions such as being a technician, trainer, communicator, and coordinator/ organizer, while also showing courage and confidence to earn respect. Finally, the coach must communicate these concepts to his players and collaborators during the week to build a winning company.

19. “The higher the level of complacency, the lower the chance of winning.”

The main takeaway this rule is that a high level of complacency can be detrimental to success in sports. The author emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's mental approach and avoiding feelings of overconfidence or satisfaction with one's abilities. He uses an example from a football match to illustrate this point, where his team lost due to complacency and mental deficiency. The author stresses the need for athletes to reflect on their mistakes, recover resources, and improve in order to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Overall, this rule highlights the importance of mental preparation and awareness in sports.

20. “Always choose collaborators better than you for what you can delegate.”

The rule means that it is important to surround yourself with talented and capable people, especially in areas where you are not an expert. By choosing collaborators who are better than you, you can delegate tasks to them and trust that they will be able to handle them well. This frees up your time and energy to focus on your own specific skills and responsibilities.

This rule applies to many fields, including sports, business, and entrepreneurship. A successful team or company is often led by an efficient and capable board, which is composed of a leader who has chosen excellent collaborators. Delegation is a fundamental part of any work group, as it allows individuals to focus on their specific tasks and areas of expertise, while trusting others to handle tasks outside their area of expertise.

In summary, this rule emphasizes the importance of collaboration, trust, and delegation in achieving success.