Former Man Utd Defender Jaap Stam Reveals What He Learned From Fergie About Management
Former Manchester United defender and current Reading manager Jaap Stam has revealed exactly what he learned from playing under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
The 44-year-old, who takes on his former club on Saturday as Reading travel to Old Trafford to face United, joined the Royals in the summer after being Ajax's assistant coach for the last few years.
The Dutchman has started his managerial career terrifically, guiding Reading to 3rd in the Championship after 24 games.
But Stam's start in management comes as a surprise to many after he claimed he had 'no interest' in returning to football after his retirement in 2007.
When asked which manager influenced him the most during his career, Stam was quick to hail United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, claiming that he learned 'how to build a team' from the Scotsman.
.@DavidMay04 talks to Jaap Stam in Match Day Live - watch on #MUTVHD at 11:30 GMT or record with Sky (UK/IRE): https://t.co/Sgy4NyS5Ow #MUFC pic.twitter.com/U53Hf0E1hD
He told "?Four Four Two: "I wasn't the type who would write down everything they said in a book, but now I've thought a lot about the managers I played under and taken so many different things.
"From Alex Ferguson, I've hopefully learned how to build a team. I watched how he put together a winning squad "? the players he brought in for the style he wanted to play, but also for the characters he needed for the mental side of the game.
"He didn't look at just the big names "? he concentrated on the overall qualities he needed."
Jaap Stam is BACK at Old Trafford!
? JIP JAAP STAM!!! ?#MUFC pic.twitter.com/RWdTfTfQfU
When asked why he chose England to start his managerial career, he replied: "I had some good offers in Holland, but I always wanted my very first manager's job to be in England. I asked Ronald Koeman and Guus Hiddink for advice, and they agreed I should come here first.
"I felt I was ready to take the next step and the best place to do that was England."
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