John Barnes, reflecting on his football career, revealed his difficulty in choosing the single best manager he ever played for, ultimately naming two English legends: Graham Taylor and Terry Venables.
Barnes described Graham Taylor as the best club manager he ever had, praising Taylor for his remarkable achievement in guiding Watford from the fourth division to the top division of English football while operating with very limited financial resources. Taylor's management was lauded for its effective team building and strategic acumen despite budget constraints.
Regarding international management, Barnes named Terry Venables as the best England national team manager he played under. His appreciation for Venables reflects a high regard for the tactical and leadership qualities displayed at the national level.
Although Barnes had the opportunity to play under other prominent managers such as Bobby Robson, he emphasized these two as standout figures in his career. He also mentioned enjoying his time around Liverpool, expressing a strong emotional connection to the club, its culture, and inclusive relationship between players, staff, managers, and fans, calling it "one big family."
The article briefly notes Barnes's views on modern football, referencing his admiration for current managers like Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, praising their different and effective managerial styles. Still, his definitive club love remains Liverpool due to its passionate fanbase and history.
In summary, John Barnes's reflections show a deep respect for managers who could achieve great results with limited resources and who built strong team cultures both at club and international levels, reflecting his experiences with Graham Taylor at Watford and Terry Venables with England.
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