Some football managers are known for their strong defense of their players, often stepping in to protect them from criticism, whether it’s from the media, fans, or even their own team. These managers emphasize unity, loyalty, and support, frequently defending players who are under fire, whether it’s for poor performances or controversial actions. Here are some managers who are renowned for their defense of their players in interviews:

1. Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Jürgen Klopp is one of the most vocal and passionate managers when it comes to defending his players. Whether it’s a poor performance, a mistake in a match, or a criticism from the media, Klopp is quick to show loyalty to his squad and rarely allows them to be thrown under the bus.

• Example: After Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham in 2021, Klopp defended his team’s mentality and emphasized that the players are only human. He’s also defended his star players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, stressing that they can’t carry the team on their own every week.
• Quote: “My players are incredible. We have to stay united. Criticism can come, but it’s important to defend each other and work hard together. That’s what we’re doing.”

2. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)

Pep Guardiola has a reputation for being incredibly protective of his players. Whether the criticism is about tactics, individual errors, or team performances, Guardiola is known for being fiercely loyal to his squad, often deflecting criticism away from them and taking it on himself.

• Example: After Raheem Sterling received significant criticism for his performances during the 2020/21 season, Guardiola consistently defended him, praising his work ethic and the pressure he faced being a key figure at Manchester City. He has also stood by Kevin De Bruyne and others during periods of criticism.
• Quote: “Raheem is an important player for us. He’s always trying to do the best, and he’s a fighter. We cannot blame players, we need to look at ourselves as a team.”

3. Antonio Conte (Tottenham Hotspur)

Antonio Conte is known for his strong leadership and protection of his players, especially when they face public scrutiny. He takes a fatherly approach, often defending their character and commitment to the team. His demeanor in interviews is often fiery when his players are attacked.

• Example: After Harry Kane was heavily criticized following Tottenham’s 2021 struggles, Conte spoke about his importance to the team, stating that no one had the right to question Kane’s commitment or work ethic. Conte’s defense was particularly notable after some tough defeats in the early stages of his tenure.
• Quote: “Harry Kane is a top player, a top professional, and he is doing everything for this club. When you talk about Harry Kane, you have to show respect.”

4. José Mourinho (AS Roma)

José Mourinho is well known for being fiercely loyal to his players and for standing by them when under pressure. Although his direct and sometimes confrontational style can rub people the wrong way, he is always quick to defend his players when they face criticism, especially if he feels it’s unjustified.

• Example: During his time at Manchester United, Mourinho consistently defended players like Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, insisting that they were getting too much negative attention from the media. At Roma, he has continued to shield his players, particularly when they were underperforming.
• Quote: “I believe in my players. They give everything for me, for the team. It’s easy to criticize from the outside, but the real work happens inside, and I trust them completely.”

5. Frank Lampard (Chelsea / Everton)

Frank Lampard has always been a defender of his players, especially when they are underperforming or being scrutinized in the media. His own experiences as a player, having been criticized at times, make him especially empathetic towards his squad.

• Example: At Chelsea, Lampard defended players like Timo Werner and Kai Havertz when they were struggling to find form, urging the media to show patience and not rush to judge. Even at Everton, when results weren’t going his way, Lampard defended his players’ commitment and effort.
• Quote: “I see the work the players are doing in training, and I know how much they care. It’s easy to point fingers, but we’re all in this together. I’ll always protect my players.”

6. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)

Carlo Ancelotti is widely respected for his calm demeanor and understanding approach to coaching. He consistently defends his players, especially when they are going through rough patches. Whether it’s a missed chance, an underwhelming performance, or a high-profile mistake, Ancelotti is known to stand by his squad.

• Example: When Eden Hazard struggled at Real Madrid following his move from Chelsea, Ancelotti frequently defended his performances and stressed that it was only a matter of time before he returned to his best.
• Quote: “I know the quality of my players. When they face difficulties, we need to support them and help them grow. Hazard is a great player, and I trust him completely.”

7. Marcelo Bielsa (Leeds United)

Marcelo Bielsa, while being highly analytical and intense about his team’s performance, is also known for defending his players against media criticism. He emphasizes the collective responsibility of the team and deflects blame from individual players.

• Example: After Leeds United suffered heavy defeats, Bielsa would often focus on defending his team’s effort and teamwork rather than criticizing specific players, stressing that the responsibility lay with him as the manager.
• Quote: “The players are doing their best, and if something goes wrong, it’s my responsibility. I always back my players, and I will never criticize them publicly.”

8. Gareth Southgate (England)

England manager Gareth Southgate has built a reputation for being calm, measured, and incredibly supportive of his players. He’s consistently defended his squad, especially amid the intense scrutiny that comes with managing the national team.

• Example: After Raheem Sterling faced heavy criticism for his performances and off-field incidents, Southgate publicly supported him, praising his resilience and mental strength. Southgate also defended Harry Maguire when he was under fire during tough spells at Manchester United.
• Quote: “Raheem is one of the most important players we have. He’s shown time and again that he’s a fighter, and he’s a key part of our team.”