TIM HOWARD: Balancing player input and coaching decisions

There is one obvious sign that players have stopped listening to a coach: performances. Everyone will see levels drop – individually and collectively.

But there are other indicators that fans might never notice. Signs that the message has become stale. Signs that the players have begun to shut off. Signs that orders are not being received with the same vigor.

When everyone is on the same page, even the most basic instruction will spark a reaction: a fist pump, a rallying cry. When that physical reaction disappears, when a glazed look comes over a player’s face, one thing is clear: it’s over.

So yes it was sad to see that Robert Saleh had been fired by the New York Jets this week. But it was no real surprise: just look at the results and recent performances.

I have been a player and now I am a part-owner of Houston Dynamo in MLS. In moments like this, we have to pick a side. It’s not easy. But it’s the only option. Owners have to decide which of their assets is the most important.

Aaron Rodgers has denied allegations that he played a role in the firing of Robert Saleh

DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard offered his thoughts on player power inside locker rooms

Right now, the Jets are built to win with Aaron Rodgers. Once results did not improve – and the owner decided someone had to go – it was only ever going to be Saleh. Anyone who thought otherwise is out of their mind.

Woody Johnson has revealed that he spoke to Rodgers just hours before firing Saleh. That only fueled rumors that the quarterback had a hand in the coach’s exit. Rodgers has denied it, of course, but make no mistake: player power is real.

It’s not something I experienced in club football because – at Manchester United and Everton – I worked under powerful managers in Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes.

But we would hear about life at Chelsea under Roman Abramovich. They had so many strong voices in that dressing room – Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, John Terry – and that helped create a hire-and-fire culture.

Star players like to be heard and, as an owner, you want to create a relationship where you listen to voices from inside locker room.

We see it in the NBA all the time: strong, world-class players have the ear of those in charge. And when a big call looms, the owners come calling.

Saleh’s relationship with Rodgers had been under the microscope before his departure

Jets owner Woody Johnson revealed he spoke to the quarterback hours before firing Saleh

I was consulted at the tail end of Jurgen Klinsmann’s time with the US Men’s National Team. I was an experienced member of the group and they wanted to know my view. So I offered my verdict, having played for three different national team managers. It was truthful and it was damning.

But it can also be dangerous listening to players. Sure, they see more than most but their opinions are shaped by emotion and how situations impact them personally.

During my career, if something wasn’t going right for me, I would be annoyed and upset. If someone offered me the chance to complain, I’d talk all day long. It might be one-sided. It certainly wouldn’t always be a clear reflection of the situation.

So if an owner bases their decision off that alone? It’s only ever going to end one way for the coach. It all depends on how much stock you put in players’ opinions.

For me, it’s about balance. Sure, listen to your stars but also hear the opinions of staff who work on the inside. And if you have anything about you as an owner – which I think I do – trust your gut feeling, too. 

Howard played under  some all-powerful managers including David Moyes (right) at Everton

If you have boots on the ground, if you’re around the team and the players, you get a sense of what’s going on.

You will pick up on performances and body language. It’s often very obvious. And so it’s clear if heads must roll.

Mauricio Pochettino faces a baptism of fire when he begins life as head coach of the US Men’s National Team this week.

First up? Panama on Saturday. During my career, we were physically dominant over all our rivals – except Panama. They were the one team who could match us and they will smell blood.

So will Mexico. They always test US players but they will know this is the time to really get at this team. So it’s not a game for experiments. The US has to win and that causes problems for a coach trying to implement new ideas and a new system.

Pochettino has barely 18 months until a home World Cup in 2026 and the international calendar won’t give him much opportunity – or many games – to change the USMNT.

Mauricio Pochettino takes charge of his first game as coach of the USMNT this weekend

The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager addresses his players

But that doesn’t mean he should change his philosophy or temper his demands. This has to look like a Pochettino team long before 2026. 

The manager must instill an identity and a style all while navigating the highs and the crises that will come over the next couple of years.

Yes, that isn’t easy when results are paramount. But fans need to see markers slowly being laid down from Saturday. Indications of team shape and certain characteristics: energy, toughness, a baseline of fight that was missing against Canada last month.

That applies to the team as a whole – and to individuals. Everyone one of those players who is handed an opportunity on Saturday has to reward Pochettino with a performance. And a win.