Managers’ thoughts on controversial VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decisions in football (soccer) often reflect a mix of frustration, confusion, and concern about the system’s consistency and impact on the game. Here’s a breakdown of common themes managers often touch upon:

1. Consistency Issues:
   • Managers often point out that VAR is not always applied consistently. A decision may be overturned in one match, but in a similar situation, it might not be reviewed or corrected in another. This leads to frustrations over perceived injustices or contradictions in decision-making.
2. Impact on the Flow of the Game:
   • Managers sometimes argue that the use of VAR disrupts the natural rhythm and excitement of the match. The delays while the referee checks VAR can reduce the intensity and momentum, frustrating players and fans alike.
3. Referee Confidence:
   • VAR was introduced with the aim of aiding referees, but managers occasionally suggest that it may erode referee confidence. If referees rely too heavily on VAR, it could lead to indecisiveness or hesitation on the pitch.
4. Transparency:
   • Another key point often raised is the lack of transparency in how decisions are made after VAR reviews. Managers have requested that the process be more transparent, possibly through clearer communication with fans and on-screen graphics explaining the reasoning behind certain decisions.
5. The Human Element:
   • While VAR aims to reduce human error, some managers argue that it might overcomplicate simple decisions or take away from the human aspect of refereeing. They believe that football should retain some degree of subjectivity and human judgment, especially in situations where VAR might seem too stringent.
6. Favoritism and Bias:
   • Some managers have expressed concerns about the possibility of VAR being influenced by biases, particularly when it comes to controversial decisions involving big teams or star players. There’s a perception that VAR may be swayed by the profile of the team involved or the referee’s subconscious biases.
7. Emotional and Psychological Impact:
   • VAR can have a significant emotional impact on both teams and managers. In close games, the uncertainty over a potential VAR review can cause tension, as players and managers don’t know if a decision will be overturned.
8. Clarity on Offside Decisions:
   • Offside decisions are among the most controversial when it comes to VAR. Managers have often spoken about the “marginal” nature of some offside calls, where a player’s toe or arm is deemed offside, leading to debates on whether such fine margins should determine the outcome of a match.
9. The Need for Improvement:
   • Overall, many managers acknowledge the potential benefits of VAR, such as reducing clear errors and enhancing fairness. However, they stress the importance of continual improvement, with better communication, more clarity, and efforts to make the system more user-friendly for everyone involved.