Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak on Staff Poaching
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has stated that other clubs recruiting their staff demonstrates that the Premier League champions are leading the world of football. Manchester United, in particular, has been active in this regard, recently appointing Omar Berrada, a former City employee, as their new CEO. Additionally, United has brought in Jason Wilcox, previously City’s academy director, as their new technical director after a short stint at Southampton. Toby Craig, who served as City’s director of corporate affairs for eight years, has also been hired by United as their chief communications officer.
City’s Staff as Desired Assets
Al Mubarak views these moves as a testament to City’s excellence across all levels. “Frankly, [it makes me feel] proud,” he said. “It tells you we are very good at what we do at every level.” He emphasized that the recruitment of City’s staff by other top clubs, including United, showcases the high standards and effectiveness of the club’s systems and leadership.
Al Mubarak described the phenomenon as an indicator of City’s success in nurturing talent. “When you see… players at the academy level, players at the first team level leave and go and have successful careers. Coaching staff, medical staff, physios, senior executives that are being sought after by the best teams in the world,” he explained. This, he believes, confirms that City is on the right track, boasting a system that consistently produces talent across all facets of the football business.
Positive Departures and Enduring Respect
Al Mubarak also acknowledged the natural progression of staff seeking new challenges, understanding that opportunities at other prestigious clubs can be too enticing to pass up. “When you look at people that get an offer for a great job at another club, of course you understand,” he said. He expressed confidence that those who leave do so with a deep appreciation for their time at City. “They leave with respect for how this club has helped them in their careers and they’ll always have, I think, a positive memory of the time we spent. We stay friends.”
In his end-of-season address to City’s in-house media team, Al Mubarak’s reflections highlighted the club’s influential role in the careers of its staff and the enduring respect they carry for the club. This poaching trend, rather than being seen as a loss, is viewed as validation of City’s comprehensive success in football management and development.
