67# - The Beautiful Game: Manchester City's Triumph in the Champions League, a Long-Term Project

<<< we just launched a global survey on artificial intelligence and project management; we appreciate it if you could share your views, details at the end of the newsletter - thanks! >>>

Heartiest congratulations to Manchester City on their extraordinary triumph in the UEFA Champions League. This achievement is not merely the result of exceptional skill or fortuitous circumstances; it's the successful execution of a well-thought-out project that was destined to pay off sooner or later.

The Citizens did not just beat Inter Milan to claim one of the most coveted trophies in football; they etched their name into the annals of football history and positioned themselves as worthy contenders to the likes of Real Madrid. This victory, a testament to visionary leadership and meticulous project execution, offers a compelling case study in achieving long-term goals.

Let's delve deep into understanding their achievement through the Project Canvas.

Purpose

At the heart of Manchester City's journey lies a purpose deeper than just winning a championship. It's about making a mark, leaving a legacy, and inspiring generations of players and fans. It's about transcending the boundaries of the game and establishing Manchester City as a symbol of resilience, excellence, and unyielding ambition. Just as Real Madrid has been an epitome of sustained success in football, Manchester City aimed to carve its place in the annals of footballing greatness.

Business Case and Budget

The financial case for Manchester City's endeavor was as solid as it was ambitious. Over the past decade, Manchester City has significantly ramped up its investments. A reported sum of over £1 billion has been invested in players since Sheikh Mansour took over.

The club made several high-profile acquisitions, such as Kevin De Bruyne (£68 million), Rodri (£63 million), and Ruben Dias (£64 million), each of whom played a crucial role in the club's success. Furthermore, the record-breaking signing of Erling Haaland, one of the world's most promising strikers, was a clear testament to the club's commitment to achieving its vision. Haaland's acquisition, worth a staggering £150 million, was a bold move that fortified City's attacking prowess and significantly contributed to their Champions League campaign.

Hiring Pep Guardiola, one of the most sought-after coaches globally, further solidified their intent. Guardiola's arrival in 2016 reportedly cost the club around £15 million per year, an investment that has undeniably paid dividends.

Governance

The club's leadership played an instrumental role in orchestrating this victory. Sheikh Mansour's investment and commitment and Khaldoon Al Mubarak's proficient chairmanship ensured the successful implementation of the project plan. Pep Guardiola, with his unique brand of football and a keen eye for player development, worked wonders on the field.

Scope and Time

The project scope was comprehensive and forward-looking, encapsulating everything from player acquisition and youth development to tactical evolution and fan engagement. This wasn't a plan built for overnight success. The timeline was carefully spread over multiple seasons, allowing room for growth, setbacks, and consolidation.

Risk Management

Risk management was a crucial aspect of the project. The ever-present threats of injuries, unexpected dips in form, or changes in the management structure were proactively addressed, ensuring that these variables never hindered the progress of the plan.

Human Resources

The players and staff at Manchester City, united by a common purpose, formed the backbone of the project. Each player, and each staff member, was a cog in the well-oiled machine that drove the club towards its goal.

Stakeholder Management and Change Management

Effective stakeholder management ensured continuous support and understanding from fans, sponsors, and the local community. Simultaneously, an efficient change management system enabled the club to adapt seamlessly to new challenges and maintain its momentum.

Organizational Agility/Culture

Manchester City's culture imbued with ambition, unity, and adaptability, played a pivotal role in achieving the goal. This, coupled with the club's organizational agility, allowed Manchester City to stay ahead of the competition and respond promptly to changes.

In the final analysis, Manchester City's triumphant Champions League campaign is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, defining a well-thought project, even when there were some major disappointments, with relentless project execution. By modeling their quest on the same ethos that fuelled giants like Real Madrid, they've successfully transitioned from dreamers to doers, from contenders to champions, carving their name into the fabric.

*** Global Survey on Artificial Intelligence in Project Management => Appreciate Your Input!

We are living in an era of transformation. It's undeniable how technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) have seeped into our daily lives, reshaping how we interact with the world. This wave of change significantly impacts the #projectmanagement sector, revealing exciting possibilities we hadn't imagined before.

With this in mind, Ricardo Viana Vargas, Ph.D. Vargas and I are excited to invite you to participate in the first Global Survey on Artificial Intelligence in Project Management. 

Whether you're a professional, practitioner, or researcher, your insights are invaluable and much appreciated 👏 👏 👏 👏

Here is the link: https://lnkd.in/dqinugr4

Your contribution will require at most 10 minutes of your time.

As a token of our gratitude, all participants will receive a 10% discount coupon for our upcoming July Masterclass.

Thanks for reading and sharing your views!

Hasta la vista!

Antonio