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The impossible job? Is the abuse of football managers out of control?

As Tony Pulis warns that a manager could be "attacked", do coaches need more protection?

β€œWe’ve got to be careful that managers don’t get attacked” – the words of former Stoke and Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis in a highly charged interview on The Sports Desk.

Pulis’ warning comes in the wake of Nuno Espirito Santo’s sacking by Spurs after fans vented their fury at the manager during the club’s defeat to Manchester United.

And Steve Bruce has hinted he may retire because of the abuse he suffered before leaving Newcastle United, and the toll it had taken on him and his family.

Sarah Mulkerrins and Dan Roan are joined by the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ's chief football writer Phil McNulty to assess whether the pressures on the people in charge of our favourite teams are reaching breaking point.

They also speak to Richard Bevan, CEO of the League Managers Association, who outlines measures to help protect managers.

Producer: Sam Sheringham

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36 minutes

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