Why are many Premier League stars and coaches crazy about chess?

It is no coincidence that many of the world's top players and coaches spend time playing chess. Chess is not only a recreational sport, but also helps improve tactical thinking on the field.

Martin Zubimendi once won the U12 chess championship in Spain - Photo: Screenshot

The world of football is not short of stories about remarkable chess talents. The most prominent of these is Martin Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal this summer. Not only is he passionate, but the player wearing the number 36 shirt has also won the U12 chess championship of the Gipuzkoa province in Spain.

Not inferior to his new teammate, another new Arsenal player, Eberechi Eze, also surprised the online community when he won an online chess tournament for celebrities in mid-June 2025. This victory brought Eberechi Eze a prize of $20,000.

Eze also won the celebrity online chess tournament in June 2025 - Photo: Screenshot

In addition to the two players who have achieved success in chess tournaments, world football also has many famous players who are passionate about chess such as Mohamed Salah, Odegaard, Mbeumo...

Not only players, many top coaches also find endless inspiration from chess.

For example, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca once confessed his love for chess and even announced that he would apply "chess" tactics in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG. The result was a convincing 3-0 victory for The Blues, which surprised many people.

So what is it about chess that makes football so special that both players and coaches see it as a tool to complement their skills on the pitch?

Common points between chess and football

1. Strategic thinking and adaptability

Coach Pep Guardiola himself, one of the greatest tactical minds in modern football, also explained that the core common point between chess and football is the central area.

Indeed, in both football and chess, controlling the center is key to regulating the tempo of the game, launching attacks and disrupting the opponent's intentions.

Chess king Carlsen (left) and coach Pep Guardiola shared about the common points between chess and football - Photo: Puma

Next, coach Pep Guardiola said that chess players or coaches must constantly predict their opponents' next moves, in order to adapt to every situation and react appropriately.

One wrong move or one poor passing decision can lead to defeat. The ability to see the big picture and plan for different situations is crucial.

Not only that, both chess and soccer have clear defensive and offensive elements. You have to protect your “king” (goalkeeper/goal) while trying to “checkmate” your opponent (score a goal).

Therefore, there needs to be a balance between holding the line and creating attacking opportunities.

2. Importance of each piece/player

Each piece (bishop, knight, rook, queen, pawn) and each player on the field has a separate role and movement ability.

However, to win, everyone must coordinate well and complement each other as a unified group. An outstanding individual can create a breakthrough. But team spirit and the connection between the chess pieces are the deciding factors for success or failure.

Salah also revealed his hobby of playing chess in an interview - Photo: Screenshot

There is also something in common between both of them, exploiting the opponent's weaknesses. In chess, you seek to isolate and exploit your opponent's weak pieces.

In football, teams always analyze and target weaknesses in their opponents' formation, tactics or form.

3. Psychological factors

Psychology is an integral part of sports . Both chess and football require near-total concentration throughout the entire game. A momentary lapse in concentration can have dire consequences.

Likewise, long and intense matches require players or footballers to have mental endurance, the ability to stay calm under pressure and recover from mistakes.

Chess and football are not only entertaining sports, but also help you develop deep strategic thinking, adaptability and teamwork. This is the reason why many famous football coaches and players love chess.

TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-nhieu-ngoi-sao-va-hlv-o-premier-league-me-co-vua-20250901225547537.htm