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Lincoln City’s manager Michael Skubala opens up about how his coaching philosophy has been shaped by Marcelo Bielsa, Gareth Southgate, futsal, and the resilience of his grandparents, who fled Nazi persecution.

His family’s escape from Poland during World War II, involving a perilous journey by train and boat, built the foundation of perseverance that defines Skubala. Their courage and hard work transformed fear into security in England — values that Skubala now channels into his career, where he’s being celebrated for leading Lincoln City to record-breaking heights.

Today could mark another milestone if the League One champions avoid defeat at Port Vale, extending their unbeaten streak to 29 matches over six months — an all-time EFL record for a third-tier campaign. Skubala stands on the verge of history.

Named EFL League One Manager of the Season, Skubala reflects on his grandparents’ story. “They had to leave Poznan in 1939 when the Nazis invaded,” he says. “My nan’s older siblings were killed, and she witnessed it. They escaped by train to Italy, then by boat to England, finally settling in Barrow upon Soar in North Leicestershire.”

He continues, “My nan never spoke much about it. She never wanted to go back. The family built a new life here, running care homes. My dad started from scratch and is now a successful businessman. When you see your parents working hard, that becomes part of your DNA.”

That same ethic defines his coaching. “Our players feel invincible right now. When people say our team is relentless, I think I’m quietly relentless too. I’ve always had this inner drive to win — not loud, but deep. My wife says I’m super-competitive, though people wouldn’t guess it. I’m not a shouter; I’m a worker. I love leading, bringing people together on a journey.”

Growing up, Skubala played non-league football, had trials with Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, and enjoyed chess — a family tradition. “Chess is huge in Polish culture. I played every week with my dad and uncle. Football, to me, is like a fast-paced game of chess — all about strategy.”

He began coaching at 15, taught PE in a Leicestershire school, and worked with academies at Forest and Coventry City, where he coached a talented young James Maddison. “Even at eight, you could see how special he was.”

Skubala studied sports science and psychology at Birmingham University. “That helped me understand human motivation and behaviour.” Later, as director of football at Loughborough University — “a cauldron of coaching” — he learned from some of the best minds in the game.

“I’ve spoken with Gareth Southgate about creating team culture, unity, and connecting fans with players. Gareth’s brilliant at that. I also learnt a lot from John McDermott and Dan Ashworth — both are exceptional.”

Ashworth recruited him to the FA in 2017 to coach England’s futsal team. Skubala had already represented England as a player. “In Thailand, we played in front of 8,000 fans — that experience made me want to study futsal in depth. I looked at Spain, Brazil, Portugal, and players like Ronaldo, Messi, and Romário.”

He coached Max Kilman, noting, “His defending and ball control were phenomenal, and at such speed. Futsal is six or seven times faster than football at the top level — it’s football on steroids.”

Under his guidance, England’s futsal side rose from 80th to 40th in the world despite limited resources. “Then the FA cut the programme,” he recalls. By then, McDermott replaced Ashworth, who had joined Brighton. “John wanted me to stay. I worked with England’s Under-18s — Rico Lewis, James Beadle, Lewis Hall, Archie Gray. With the Under-16s, I coached Chris Rigg, Tyler Dibling, Tyrique George, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.”

His futsal expertise attracted Victor Orta, Leeds United’s director of football, who brought him to lead their Under-21s. “Victor’s a great leader and supported me immensely.” Skubala arrived at Elland Road shortly after Marcelo Bielsa’s departure. “Even after Marcelo left, his influence remained — the intensity, the detail, the famous ‘Murderball’. I studied two years of his tactical work, his match preparation, even how he planned substitutions. His precision was extraordinary. Why wouldn’t you learn from someone like Bielsa?”

At Leeds, he developed young talents like Archie Gray. “I was the first to move Archie to right-back, allowing him to step into midfield. People questioned it, but I knew he’d excel. His professionalism is unbelievable — always the last in the gym. His brother Harry, now at Rotherham, shares that same work ethic.”

When Jesse Marsch was dismissed in 2023, Skubala took interim charge of the first team. Leeds led 2-0 at Old Trafford before Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho earned Manchester United a draw. “When United equalised, the noise was immense — the stadium literally shook. I couldn’t even communicate with Luke Ayling, who was just 10 metres away.”

Despite the setback, that match was a defining moment. “It validated everything I’d worked for. Every coach has that moment when they realise, ‘I can do this.’ I came off thinking, ‘I should’ve switched to a back five — I could’ve won that game.’ While everyone else celebrated the draw, I was already analysing.”

Skubala admits, “I struggle to switch off. My wife tells me to enjoy the moment more, but I’m always thinking ahead — how to improve, how to go again.”

Now 43, he continues learning from other managers, especially those without elite playing backgrounds. “My role models are people like Jose Mourinho and Arsène Wenger — thinkers who built their success through intellect and preparation.”

He acknowledges the challenges for home-grown coaches. “With so much foreign ownership, English managers can be overlooked. Without a top-level playing career, I had to be strategic about my first managerial step — to find the right club that believed in me.”

He found that belief at Lincoln. “Clive Nates has been an incredible chairman — he invested his own money into the club as a gift, not a loan. That’s why we’re financially stable as we move into the Championship.”

Skubala is already planning ahead but savouring the moment. “We play attacking football but defend with discipline. My futsal background taught me that defending wins games. I tell Ben House he’s the best out-of-possession forward in English football. Then he scores twice against Doncaster and jokes, ‘See, I can score too!’”

When asked about Jack Moylan, named in the EFL League One Team of the Season, Skubala beams. “What a player! He trains like every session is his last. Hopefully, we can keep him. With continued development, he can reach the Premier League.”

Skubala wants to maintain squad unity into the Championship. “Momentum matters — just look at Ipswich and Wrexham. Everyone’s under contract, and that gives us a chance to keep building.” Recruitment, he explains, is collaborative. “Director of football Jez George is a wise mind, and CEO Liam Scully is fantastic to work with. Every player we consider has around 30 references — Jez knows everyone in the game.”

With play-offs now extending to eighth place, the Championship will be even more competitive. “It’s exciting and gives mid-table teams more incentive to push harder.”

Would Lincoln target eighth? “We had a five-year plan to reach the Championship and did it in three. Next, we’ll focus on stability and growth. Survival first, but there’s no reason we can’t aim for a top-half finish.”

He understands what this success means to Lincoln. “Winning the title for the first time means everything to this city. The responsibility to deliver that joy was immense.”

For Skubala, football remains about people. “It’s a players’ game and a fans’ game — we managers are just the bridge. I tell my players never to ignore kids asking for autographs. That small gesture can make a huge difference.”

And the city is responding. “You can feel the energy everywhere — kids wearing Lincoln shirts instead of Liverpool or Manchester United ones. The club even sold out of shirts. That’s what it’s all about.”