Each and every coach around the world has a style. Some can take a hands on approach like Guardiola, some can sit back and observe like Van Gaal, authoritarian such as Ferguson or diplomatic like Howe. However, each of these coaches are not just one style. They have different traits which make them the top coaches they are. Alex Ferguson was renouned for having control of everything and having a very autocratic style. Any player who disagreed with him was gone. Jaap Stam, Ruud Van Nistlerooy and Roy Keane are players who departed Manchester United the club after disagreements with Ferguson. Yet, players like Ronaldo, Giggs and Wes Brown have all said Ferguson was like a father figure who was there for them when they needed it, thus showing that he had a different approach for players.

There are three types of coaches:

Autocratic - Full control. Nobody else has a say in the matter. You tell the players what to do and they do it - Well they better do it.

Democratic - Easiest way to define this is "shared decision making". The coach will make decisions but will take on board the imput of others. It's leadership but in the form of positive guidance.

Laissez - Faire - This style is the complete opposite of autocratic. This coaching styles requires the players to take ownership of their own decisions. He has litltle imput on the teaching.

Each style has its advantages and disadvantages. The importance is not to limit yourself to one style. Many different situations will come across you as a coach and the importance of being able to adapt your style to the situation.

Example: Your left back approaches you and asks you can he/she play in central midfield. They're unhappy at left back and want to move into the middle of the park. What is your response?

An autocratic coach will tell them to stay put. A democratic coach will discuss the possibility while a laissez - faire coach will let them move up the pitch. However, you must always consider the variables that come with each situation.

What if the player is a long time serving player? Are they well behaved? Are you stuck in the middle? Can someone cover at left back?

Before you make any decision, take all variables into account and that will dictate your style. That situation could come up ten times in your coaching time and you could take different apporaches to each one.

Therefore, it is important to have a variety of styles when coaching any sport, let alone football.

Think - Consider Variables - Act