Tony Pulis: Why Football Managers Must Prioritize Their Own Health After Vincent Kompany Scare

BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis has urged football managers to put their own fitness and wellbeing first, following Vincent Kompany's recent health scare. Pulis, a veteran of over 1,000 games as a manager, says the pressures of the job take a severe toll both physically and mentally, and Kompany's situation is a stark reminder that no one is immune. The former Stoke City and West Brom boss highlights the long hours, constant stress, and lack of downtime that come with modern management, arguing that clubs and the football authorities must do more to support the people in the dugout. Pulis believes that managers often neglect their own health while focusing entirely on players, but that this approach is unsustainable. He points to the example of Kompany, the Burnley manager and former Manchester City captain, who was taken to hospital with a health issue earlier this season, as a wake-up call for the entire profession. Pulis calls for regular health checks, better work-life balance, and a cultural shift in football so that managers feel able to prioritize their own wellbeing without fear of appearing weak. Ultimately, he says, a healthier manager is a better manager, and the game must adapt to protect its leaders.