From Beach Runs to Bonding: How Team Trips Shaped My Management Style

Last week’s news about Tottenham's team-building getaway to Marbella sparked some memories for me as a former manager. It reminded me of the strategies I employed to foster camaraderie among my players. While the methods may have evolved, the core idea remains the same: taking players away from their usual surroundings helps them forge stronger bonds. A few weeks back, I noted how Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi could benefit from some quality time with his squad after a rocky start to the season. Their warm-weather training camp was an ideal opportunity for him to connect with what is essentially a revamped team. De Zerbi, with his Italian background, likely made sure the players were busy in training sessions aimed at instilling his tactical approach. But the trip also served another purpose: it allowed him to observe the dynamics of the group away from the pitch. If all goes according to plan, he should now have a clearer understanding of his players’ strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for their match against Coventry on Monday night. Tottenham invested heavily over the summer, splashing over £250 million on 10 new signings. So, while some may have questioned the timing of this retreat early in the season, to me, it makes perfect sense given the influx of fresh talent. During my time at Stoke, I frequently took my teams to Austria for pre-season training, echoing the same rationale behind De Zerbi’s Spanish escape. Those trips were not just about fitness; they were about building a cohesive unit. I firmly believe in creating a family atmosphere in the dressing room, where each player is committed to the collective goal. The challenges we faced during those 10-day camps helped ignite a determination within the squad, which proved invaluable in overcoming early season hurdles. It was a joy to witness the players bonding on and off the training field. Of course, there were always a few who didn’t quite have the character we needed, but those players didn’t stick around for long. Today, top-flight clubs enjoy luxurious accommodations, top-notch facilities, and gourmet meals during their retreats. The team bus is often trailed by an even larger vehicle for the supporting staff. It’s a far cry from my experiences as a player back in the day, when we’d head to Blackpool for three days of pre-season training. Back then, the bonding experience was much more rustic. We stayed in guest houses, sharing cramped quarters. Our morning training consisted of running on the beach, followed by afternoon seven-a-side matches on local pitches, often after clearing away some dog mess. At night, we were free to enjoy a few drinks with no curfew, just as long as we were ready for another early start the next day. The biggest shift in football over the years has been the decline of the drinking culture that once dominated the sport. The 70s and 80s were notorious for players indulging in nights out, and the stories from clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are legendary. In my early managerial days, camaraderie often formed in pubs after matches, with winter breaks being scarce. Players rarely ventured to Spain for training camps; instead, it was more about celebrating the season’s end, often with plenty of drinks. Today’s players are far more aware of the pitfalls of excessive drinking, which means managers need to find alternative ways for them to bond amidst various distractions. One thing I’m glad I didn’t have to deal with was mobile phones. I would get frustrated seeing players glued to their screens instead of engaging with one another during meals. I often think that while today’s players have access to more resources, we had something just as valuable—stories, friendships, and the memories of that togetherness in the dressing room. As a manager, I always sought to recreate that spirit. There are other changes too. I’m not sure if De Zerbi has ever considered taking his squad to an army boot camp like I did early in my career. One memorable trip was to Exmouth, where the players were pushed to their limits with cross-country circuits. It may not sound too daunting, but it was a unique way to bond and build resilience.