Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been told by former team-mate Vladimir Smicer that his emotional intensity would have been a liability as a manager, but he's perfectly suited for his current role as a football pundit. He had all the qualities: leadership, tactical awareness, and a deep understanding of the game. But the Merseysider chose a not to take up coaching.
Shining bright as a pundit
Carragher, who retired from playing after the 2012-13 season, was expected to follow the traditional path of ex-players and move into coaching. However, he opted to make his name in football media instead. Now, Carragher is one of the most recognised faces in the industry, working with and for the biggest games in the Premier League and Champions League.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWise choice by Carragher?
For some, it remains a mystery why a player with so much leadership ability and tactical insight didn’t step into the management arena. But Smicer, his former team-mate at Liverpool, believes Carragher made the perfect decision, staying out of the dugout and embracing the role he was always destined for as a pundit.
Would have been too 'emotional'
According to Smicer, Carragher’s fiery personality would’ve caused chaos if he had entered the dressing room. Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the Premier League odds, Smicer said: "I think Jamie Carragher chose well. I think his role is fantastic. He understands football and makes good points. A lot of times, I agree with him, and I think he's better as a pundit than he would’ve been as a manager.
"He would be very, very emotional as a manager on the training ground. I remember him when he was playing as a right-back behind me and my goodness, he was shouting all the time at me, if I played badly or well. I think he would be a very, very emotional coach. I think being a pundit is perfect for him."
Smicer continued, praising Carragher for his work as a pundit and added, "I like the way he's working for Sky, and yeah, he's a good lad."
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Carragher’s decision to stay in the pundit’s chair has paid off big time. In contrast, his co-star, Manchester United icon Gary Neville, struggled during his only stint in management – an infamous 28-game spell in charge of La Liga giants Valencia.
