Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has offered Aston Villa boss Unai Emery crucial advice on how to get the best out of struggling winger Jadon Sancho.
The Special Talent
Terzic, who managed Sancho during his successful spell in Germany, described the 25-year-old as a special player who can change games in an instant. "If the game is in the 75th minute and 0-0, you want him to get on the ball because you know that he is going to make something special happen," Terzic told Sky Sports.
The former Dortmund boss emphasised that Sancho's unique abilities require unique management approaches, drawing a clear distinction between how to handle different types of players.
The Key to Unlocking Sancho's Potential
According to Terzic, the secret to maximising Sancho's impact lies in connecting with his inner child. "If you compare him to Jude (Bellingham), you need to keep Jude hungry, and Jadon you need to keep him smiling," he revealed.
Terzic explained that Sancho performs at his best when he's enjoying his football, suggesting that Emery should focus on maintaining the winger's happiness both on and off the pitch. "If he's smiling he's going to make a difference," Terzic added, highlighting the importance of balancing conversations with both the professional and the person.
Sancho's Struggles Continue
The advice comes at a crucial time for Sancho, who has failed to make an impact since joining Aston Villa on loan. The England international hasn't registered a single goal or assist in his eight appearances for the club.
Emery has been cautious with his new signing, preferring to use John McGinn, Emi Buendia and Evann Guessand in wide positions instead. Sancho has yet to start a Premier League match for Villa since his arrival.
This represents another difficult chapter in Sancho's career since his £73 million return to England with Manchester United in 2021. The current spell at Villa Park marks his third loan away from Old Trafford as he continues to search for the form that made him one of Europe's most feared attackers at Dortmund.
Terzic, who left Dortmund in 2024 and remains without a managerial position, clearly believes that the solution to Sancho's struggles is more psychological than technical, offering Emery a potential blueprint for reviving the talented winger's career.
