Yeah, national football is a entirely different beast.
I believe managers are MUCH more important to national sides than club. The tactics, the squad, managing all of the different ego's and personalities (there really is no innate chemistry on a national side, except cultural similarities), a manager has a lot more shit to deal with when it comes to international football and FIFA. A manager is usually the difference between ultimate success and failure.
Look at Portugal for example. They were coached by one of the greatest managers ever, in Scolari, during the 2006 World Cup. He guided that team to the semi's, but ultimately fell short against Thierry Henry and Les Bleus. He was let go after they crashed out of Euro 2008, watching Spain begin their ascendancy. Then came in Carlos Quieroz, a relatively young, free willed manager who was ultimately too conservative, although he did guide them to a 19 match unbeaten streak, it was broken by Spain in the round of 16.
Paulo Bento didnt accomplish much, losing out to the United States in 2014 WC group stage. Finally, they get their man in Fernando Santos, who rebuilt the team and gave Ronaldo more freedom, put Querasma back in the side, and gave a young Renato Sanches a spot. They ended up coming together and loved Santos, resulting in 2016 European championship glory.
Then you look at England and the slew of managers they have had since 2002, and you start to realize why the team hasnt been successful. Germany had stability under Klinsmann and Loew and it bore fruit. Spain same with Del Bosque. You really need a good-great manager who demands respect from the players but also is well liked and obviously tactically sound.
