Paul Lambert feels that being out of work for the first time in seven years is perfect for him at this stage of his development as a manager.
The 45-year-old Scot parted company with Aston Villa in February.
He has used the time out to make sure he returns to the game a wiser and more rounded professional.
After successful spells at Wycombe Wanderers, Colchester and Norwich, and keeping Villa in the top flight for three years on a tight budget, his CV is impressive.
But he feels he has added to it with what he has learned in the past three months.
Lambert’s established reputation in the game allowed him to shadow some of the most successful coaches in the world.
He was given access into their inner sanctums for invaluable insights and magical moments.
Lambert told The Sunday Post: “Nobody likes to be out of work.
“I’d much rather be preparing for the new season at the moment, trying to sign players in the transfer window and looking forward to a good pre-season.
“However, when you are out of the game, it is important to use the time wisely.
“I had been working non-stop as a manager for seven or eight years.
“When you are a hands-on, full-time boss then it can be hard to do some of the things you’d like to do.
“I always wanted to get around a few clubs in different countries, and I’ve been able to do that during this period.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
“And I was made to feel most welcome back at my old club, Borussia Dortmund, under their coach, Jurgen Klopp.
“Over the years those three managers have all helped develop and manage some of the top players in the world, from Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski to Manuel Neuer.
“Carlo, Pep and Jurgen were all gentlemen and couldn’t do enough for me.
“It’s fair to say they all allowed me into the heart of it all, and I was humbled by the trust they showed in me.
“Honestly, I couldn’t have picked three better men.
“Jurgen and Carlo have now left their clubs but they will be back in top jobs. They know their stuff and have the CV to back it up.
“Did I learn things? Yeah, of course I did.
“Just watching them take the team for training and the preparation involved every day with the staff and the squad was an eye-opener.
“Then the effort and organisation involved for a match-day left no stone unturned.
“I also picked their brains on how they deal with certain situations involving an individual player or the group as a whole.
“I used hypothetical situations. I asked about dealing with members of staff.
“The feedback and answers enlightened me but I will need to respect their privacy by keeping it to myself!
“But being with them has been perfect at this stage of my career.
“Am I better prepared now for a managerial role in the game compared to the day I left Aston Villa? The answer has to be ‘yes’.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of what I achieved with all my previous clubs.
“But I have to move on. It is now about what I can achieve in my next job. I’m focused and ready.”
Lambert must now wait for his next opportunity. He has been sounded out for roles abroad and in the UK, but he knows it’s best not to jump at the first offer and wait for the right moment.
But there is also the realisation that there are many top managers out of work just now, amongst them fellow Scots with solid coaching reputations in England, such as Alex McLeish (right), Malky Mackay, Alan Irvine and Billy Davies.
Lambert said: “I’ve been sounded out once or twice. I’m tempted, no doubt, but I don’t want to dive in.
“I will not panic and take a job for the sake of it. You have to feel there is ambition, and feel you can strike a very good working relationship with the men running the club.
“Working abroad, whether it be Spain, Italy, Germany, France or Portugal, definitely appeals.
“I had fantastic success as a player with Dortmund, and won the Champions League with them in 1997.
“So I’m not scared of taking on something away from my comfort zone. I’d embrace any challenge I felt was right for me.”
Lambert was the last Scot to hold a job in the English Premier League. Just four years ago there were seven, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish, Davie Moyes and Owen Coyle.
“As things stand, only one Scot will manage a club in England’s top flight in the new season, Alex Neil at Norwich City.
Lambert would love to see more, and hopes he is back involved in that company, sooner rather than later.
And he knows the likes of Ferguson and Dalglish share that desire to see men from their own country operating at the highest level down south.
The former Celtic and Scotland star he earned 40 caps and played in the 1998 World Cup Finals said: “Every Scotsman has a real good work ethic and wants to succeed at all levels in life.
“We all look out for one another, and I have had some great words of support from my fellow Scots in football.
“So it’s about putting all the experience and knowledge you have to good use in the months and years ahead, and trying to be as successful as possible.
“That’s the case whether that’s winning a league or winning a Cup or getting into Europe or even simply staying in the league.
“It all depends on the relevant circumstances. It’s also about good player recruitment and being able to spot a player and develop him.
“I brought Christian Benteke to Villa for around £7m three years ago, and he is now valued in excess of £30m.
“I’d love to find another with his talent.”
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