David Moyes has no regrets about becoming a rare British manager who took on the challenge abroad.
His last post, at Real Sociedad ended in a sacking but a wealth of new experiences, improved knowledge and contacts.... plus encountering some “bull****.”
Moyes lasted a year in La Liga, winning 12 of 42 games in charge including against Barcelona, but losing 15.
He enjoyed his stay, and was on the way to learning the language, although wasn’t fluent enough to take training in Spanish.
He immersed himself in local culture, visiting restaurants and watching B-team games. He had an 18 month contract, and refused to break it despite job offers from England reputed to be from Sunderland, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
Now Moyes insists he’s not out to prove a point to anyone but himself, and his own high standards.
He said: “I had a great time in Spain. I got a chance to see a different culture. The ability of the players, the mentality of the players in Spain.
“A different type of football. Things like preparation, facilities in Spain. And honestly I can tell you there is an awful lot of bull**** out there about it.
“It was a great experience. I’ve always wanted to manage abroad. I always thought we don’t export enough British managers to Europe.
“We are quite happy to bring them in, and I’ll be the first one to say ‘No problem, come in’. As long as you are good and as long as you do it.
“Not many British manage in the so-called top leagues, Italy, Germany, Spain. Very few have had jobs at any clubs in those countries, and that’s bad.
“We need to find a way of getting our managers experienced. I had a great time. I came up against arguably the best teams in the world and arguably the best players in the world. I hope to be able to use that.
“I don’t thin I have anything to prove to anybody else, but I am always proving to myself that I want to keep my standards high.
“I think I’ve got the fourth best win record in the Premier League out of all the managers.
"If I can even bring a bit of that to Sunderland , that will make a difference.
“But what I want is players who allow the manager to have that record. I have a big job to get that. the mentality I need to change, the way we play, what I want, I’d like that all to end up being what I’ve said. I want to have a good record.”