Coleman has learned a lot from Spanish lesson

Seven months of political infighting at Real Sociedad ought to have been enough to turn Chris Coleman off Continental football for life.

Some reasons are plain to see as he reminisces about the Basque cuisine and Rioja wines for which he developed a taste in San Sebastian.

Others go deeper because the short spell in northern Spain has changed Coleman's approach to an occupation he stumbled into almost by accident, when he became Fulham manager at the age of 32.

His easy-going nature and flippant sense of humour helped him ride some problems at Craven Cottage but these traits also attracted criticism after his sacking, mainly from those seeking to justify an unpopular decision.

When he ventured outside his comfort zone to manage Real Sociedad, there was no option but to analyse and adapt his managerial style. Instead of friendships and in jokes, there was a language barrier and unexpected hostility from sections of the Basque media.

Each game was a new tactical puzzle for Coleman and his assistant, Steve Kean, each press conference a test of tact and diplomacy, each conversation a game of politics.

It was a tough education but the 37-year-old Welshman responded to the challenge of becoming a better manager.

'If you're afraid to fail, then you shouldn't take one step into management, it's such a difficult job,' he said. 'But I've never been afraid to take a risk. That's why I wasn't afraid to go abroad.

'Going to Spain was a tense situation but it's the sort of thing that puts hairs on your chest. It gave me confidence because I got through it.

'I'd advise anybody to go abroad if they want to progress. It was a great experience and I enjoyed it enough to want to go back given the chance. I don't know why more coaches from this country don't do it.

'It was important for my education to take the chance and see the different types of training, techniques and tactical formations. It does test you. But I've definitely learned from it and I'd do it again.'

It could not have been further removed from his first job at Fulham, when he was fast-tracked straight into the Premiership in 2003, in charge of a healthy club he knew inside out.

'I remember hearing Micky Adams say I was "a bloody lucky manager" and he was right,' said Coleman. 'I was in the right place at the right time at Fulham.' In Spain, he started from scratch to earn the respect of the players. By the time they were poking fun at him at the Christmas Party, he knew he had been accepted.

Coleman said: 'They know nothing about you but you've got to go in and convince them your methods will help them progress as individuals and that the team is going to win. If they're not convinced, you're finished. Jean Tigana was the best I've seen in his first year at Fulham.'

Real Sociedad, a club treated like a national team by their passionate Basque supporters, were coming to terms with life in the second tier of Spanish football after relegation for the first time in 40 years.

'It was pandemonium,' said Coleman. 'The club was in a mess. They'd lost 12 players and the fans were calling for the president's head. We lost the first game at home 2-0 and the white hankies were out. It was unbelievable.

'In the last 10 years they've had 11 different managers and four or five different presidents. Before that they'd had four coaches in 20 years. They'd always been strong because they never wobbled inside. If they were having a bad run they stuck together. That's why they had success.

'The same happens in England. People think: We're doing all right, doing all right, keep chipping away.

Then people get a bit greedy and think: "Hang on, we've been here for three or four years, we should be up there." Then you're in a continuous fight to lower expectations. It doesn't mean you're being negative.'

Coleman was summoned to the boardroom when Maria de la Pena resigned as club president in November and took his place alongside directors and officials.

The atmosphere was sober as he explained in English that he felt obliged to go with the president who had appointed him, but some directors misunderstood him and thought he'd agreed to stay and 'go forward' with the team.

Others realised he was offering to resign and started to argue with those who thought he was staying. Coleman sat quietly, too tense to laugh.

He quit last month without a payoff after realising he could no longer work with new president Inaki Badiola, who bought players he didn't want and sacked his staff.

'I made the right decision,' said Coleman. 'I can't work for someone I don't believe in. But I was very sad to leave because people were starting to believe we could take them up. We would have done it this year or next year and that would have been great. At its soul, it is a fantastic club with fantastic traditions.'

Two Spanish clubs immediately asked if he would be available at the end of the season. There are rules in Spain to prevent one person managing two clubs in the same season. There was also interest from Southampton but he resisted a snap decision.

'I've been linked with a few clubs but I won't rush back in,' said Coleman. 'There is fire in my belly to be on the touchline but I haven't asked anybody to consider me to be the manager of their club. I'm not interested at the minute.

'It has been great to come home and see Belinda and the children and my friends. I'll sit back and enjoy some football, catch up on what I've missed here, enjoy my family and recharge the batteries.'

There is one other thing Coleman has promised himself he will do as he waits for the right opportunity. Keep taking Spanish lessons.