MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 11: Jonathan Tah of FC Bayern Muenchen during warm up before the DFB Cup Quarter Final match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 11, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty ImagesCSmith1919Sat, February 14, 2026 at 3:30 AM UTC·2 min readLeadership in football is often imagined as roaring speeches, dramatic gestures, or the visible authority of an armband. But for Jonathan Tah, the concept is far more grounded — rooted in responsibility, consistency, and the quiet influence of doing the right things well.
As one of the defensive pillars for Bayer Leverkusen, Tah’s understanding of leadership reflects the modern game’s shift toward structure, communication, and collective growth rather than individual volume.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I always say, ‘Leadership is leading by example.’ It means I have to make sure I perform my duties properly on the pitch. Then it starts with helping my partners in central defense – coaching them. After that, it continues with the full-backs and finally through the whole team. It’s not always about shouting or complaining. It’s always about something constructive. That can sometimes be constructive criticism, but it’s always about making us better on the pitch in that moment. And not about criticizing someone for their mistakes. Unless, of course, they’ve been asleep for the last three plays, then you have to give them a little shake-up,” Tah told Sky Germany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) with a laugh.
Tah’s words highlight a philosophy that prioritizes clarity over emotion. What stands out most is his emphasis on constructiveness. In high-pressure environments, criticism can easily become frustration. Tah instead frames communication as a tool for immediate improvement, not blame.
There is also a revealing touch of humor in his final remark. Even the calmest leaders recognize moments that require urgency, a quick reset, or a sharper reminder of standards. The balance between composure and accountability is what makes leadership effective rather than performative.
In an era where football increasingly values intelligence, organization, and emotional control, Tah’s perspective feels especially relevant. Leadership, as he defines it, is not about being the loudest voice, it is about being the most reliable presence when the team needs direction most.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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