There are many differences attached with this move.

There’s no doubt about this, and everyone will tell you the same, but I would resume the bigger differences I felt, besides providing me with a better understanding on how the Coach can have an impact on players.
These were:

• The relationship with the referees. I was a midfielder, Captain for a great number of years and very, very communicative. However, if inside the field you can manage that communication wisely with the referees, when at the bench you’re very limited. You clearly need to understand your emotions and manage them accordingly or you’ll spend many days watching the games from the stands! I never had a red-card for abusive use of words or anything related as a player, and the same applies as a Coach. But this was the first big shock that I got!
• Inner Workload. Everyone will mention this and I also felt it, maybe not in the same way as many say. As a Coach, you’re obviously going to have more work in terms of observing, planning, preparing, implementing, evaluating, etc around the training sessions. That’s not my point here. The inner workload is the constant thought on the team and training, even when in family events, day-to-day family routines or any other time of the day. It’s a constant 24/7 thought-process on what went wrong, what can be done to get better, what’s the next match will look like, how’s your team adapting, etc. There’s no borderline where you say “enough!”, and that can be frustrating and tiring at times. I’ve seen a few family members from top-Coaches also “complaining” about the same thing and it’s clear to me that it affects other people as it affects the Coaches. But you need to adapt, try to manage the thoughts and learn how to enjoy all the other moments in your life.
• Demonstrate. This is a game changer in players ability to understand that the Coach knows what he/she is talking about. I truly believe to be something that has an immediate influence on the acceptance of a Coach Methodology, Principles, Style of Play, etc. As soon as you’re clear about your Methodology, you should seek for opportunities to show that you know what you’re doing, creating acceptance and creditability to all you are now presenting and proposing as the best way to achieve success. Either a short defensive movement, a shoot, a long-pass, whatever makes you feel more comfortable, take that opportunity! 
• Accepting your players are set to be better than you were. This one is very much connected to the last one, and this is one that stands out for me. Sometimes, we may feel that times are now different and things were better before or we were better players, with more work-ethic, technical skills or creativity. It happens to all these thoughts. But frankly, it’s simply not fair. We’re judging someone for something where they have no control, they didn’t live that reality, they didn’t cross the same roads you had to. On the other side, they are also on their own road to achieve their goals and they may turn to be better than you were, or already are. And you must accept and face it as your job to make them the best version they can always be, better than you were or anyone else.
• Become close, not closest. Relationships in Football are, in their greater manner, futile. Is simple as that. You either accept it and move ahead, or you make a drama and an excuse not to reach whatever goals you have. It makes sense, to be honest, in the Football environment and our expectations cannot be different. Just think for a second that in any other job, you are designated to be within a team of 25 people for 10 months and then the team would dramatically change or you would change your environment and go to a different city, or country. Now, add that your career is only going to last 10 to 15 years. Quite severe scenario, right? That’s Football and all players want to achieve success as soon as possible, so that they can have a better life and provide a better life to their family. Just like you would. As I always say, Football is just a more aggressive and fast-pace sight of the society, due to the short careers length. Therefore, as Coaches, you must understand that getting too close might be confusing at some point where decisions or behaviors are not made in accordance to one’s opinion, regardless from the Coaches or players. On the other hand, you want to have a good relationship with the players, understanding their differences and manners. Therefore, it’s the Coach responsibility to be always in control of the relationship and use his/her emotional intelligence to guide the path of the relationship.
• Make everyday count. As player, I often knew what the training was all about. For example, I knew before stepping into the Club that “in that given Wednesday” there would always be warm-up (ie. running around the field for 10min) and then followed by a 11 aside match. And this could be for a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday with any other exercises. For many weeks you’re ok with it, but for me after sometimes that would consume my thoughts: “Why always the same thing? Is there anything else to do, work or improve?” And we must understand that, throughout any long Season, things need to be shaken, different, challenging and players focused at all times. Don’t misguide what I mean here, the concepts of Repetition and Consistency are the most important for me. But there are different roads to reach Rome, as there are many similar or related exercises that can be done without hurting the training transitions in longer explanations everyday because you’re bringing a new exercise constantly. That’s not the point here! Yes, you need and have to repeat exercises, but the players shouldn’t know that what you’re doing every Monday or Tuesday of the Season.
• Create respect and lead by example. You’re going to be unfair for some, at some point. Not all of them will want you to succeed in the same manner, it’s ok. Here again, you must accept before even you enter the stage. But, most importantly, treat everyone with respect they deserve and create that respect environment. It really sticks. And lead by example, from the simple things to all others. From the way you say “Hi” to everyone at the Club, to how you compliment others when you’re playing away, on your efforts to succeed, on your relentless will to win, everything. Literally everything. That way, even when you’re not fair, you will never lose their respect. And when you find them again, even after some years, a smile will be there, because the respect is there. And that’s a big win, as well!

Maybe there would be a few more to add here, but I guess starting here would already be a good starting point.

What about you?

What experience did you have?

Let me know!