> 1) They speak English

That's often a bit of a generous statement. They "speak" English yes, but not with anywhere near the sort of fluency that you would expect from someone on a multi-million salary who can afford to take some intensive English lessons.

I don't mind the footballers lack of fluency, since their job is to kick the ball around.

But the managers I'm far less forgiving, their job entails communicating with all relevant stakeholders, which involves interviews which they should be able to deliver in a fluent and comprehensible manner.

But that's the problem with English I guess. Its too "easy" as a language, you can get away with a severe lack of fluency and the other side will be able to put the pieces together.