The greatest football managers are men whose tactics, systems and strategies have filled stadiums, delighted fans and earned the respect of players. They are a rare few who’ve lifted titles across different leagues with different players. They have also left an indelible mark on the history of the beautiful game.
Some have introduced revolutionary science-based tactics to the sport. Others have relied on absolute control, ruthless decision-making or gentle persuasion to get the best out of players.
Let’s take a look at three football managers who deserve a podium finish to their careers:
Sir Alex Ferguson
Image Source: news.sky.com
Sir Alex Ferguson is the doyen of English football. Over his 26 years as Manchester United manager he lifted an unprecedented 38 trophies including 13 league titles, five FA Cups and two
UEFA Champions League titles.
Along with the silverware, Ferguson was a key figure in the development of some of the greats of the game. Luminaries like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham have the tough, gritty and unforgiving Scot to thank for their remarkable multi-million-pound football careers.
Ferguson credited his phenomenal success to three factors; taking complete control of his role as manager and tactician; being prepared to wield the axe quickly and ruthlessly and having the ability to delegate.
The man whose personality and work ethic were always bigger and better than his players has quite rightly earned the title of the greatest football manager of all-time.
Arsene Wenger
Image Source: eurosport.co.uk
When
Arsene Wenger signed up at Arsenal in 1996 he was the antithesis of
Premier League managers. His scholarly looks and French nationality didn’t go down well with Gunners’ fans.
Fortunately, Wenger was able to coax his players to deliver the kind of fluid attacking football the north London club has become so renowned for. Under his tutelage Arsenal racked up three league titles, seven FA Cups and seven Community Shields.
What catapulted the Frenchman to fame and fortune was the manner in which he single-handedly transformed English football. He was the first manager in the top flight to introduce modern coaching techniques.
For the first time, football was combined with science, isometrics, advanced technical training and nutrition. Arsenal players were stronger, faster and fitter than their counterparts… and the results were there for all to see.
In addition to his revolutionary coaching techniques, Wenger was an arch strategist who made intelligent use of the transfer market. His incisive knowledge of players along with his expansive scouting network and youth-centric approach ensured he was the most successful manager in Arsenal’s history.
For that, Arsene Wenger deserves the nod as one of the all-time greats of football management!
Carlo Ancelotti
Italian
Carlo Ancelotti has successfully managed teams across major leagues in Europe and the UK. As a result, his trophy cabinet is overflowing with silverware!
Over 22-years on the job – and he’s still active – Ancelotti has bagged four league titles, two FIFA World Cups and three UEEA Champions League crowns.
The quietly spoken Italian is known for his pragmatic approach to the game and is guided by ‘flexibility’ as a tactician. He’s also more than willing to listen to the players and adjust his strategies accordingly.
What’s arguably boosted his career more than anything else is his uncanny ability to manage the precociousness of his charges, a trait that’s earned him the respect and loyalty of players… and the rather cool moniker ‘the Diva Whisperer.’
Ancelotti is a firm believer in using gentle persuasion to get things done and by the looks of his record the more delicate approach to football has paid off!
Betway Casino
The
Betway Casino offers you a whole new world beyond Sports Betting! Have a spin on one of our exciting slots, pick your lucky number on the Roulette wheel or take your seat at the Blackjack table!
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway Zambia on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
Google+ and
YouTube.
Download the Betway App.