Steve McClaren, a former England manager, recounted a humorous yet daunting experience from his early days as Middlesbrough's manager in 2001, where he admitted to hiding in a toilet to avoid facing the pressure of competing against Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. Despite his extensive experience as an assistant manager for major clubs like Manchester United and at the England national team, he found the transition to the head coach role to be overwhelming, especially given the expectations and pressure that came with it.

In his first few weeks at Middlesbrough, McClaren struggled significantly, failing to secure any victories or even scoring a single goal in their first four matches, while conceding 13 goals. This poor start led to increased scrutiny from fans and the media, reflecting the intense pressure faced by managers in football. McClaren humorously described this period, revealing that he felt like a 'point and clueless' coach, highlighting the unexpected challenges he faced as he attempted to instill his own playing philosophy into the team.

This anecdote not only serves as a light-hearted reflection of McClaren's experiences but also underscores the intense pressure managers can face, particularly when transitioning to head roles. The fear and anxiety he experienced are relatable to many in high-stakes positions, and his candidness in discussing these feelings may resonate with others who have faced similar pressures in their careers.