Most Influential Managers That Changed World Football

Football is without a doubt one of the most popular sports of all time, if not the most popular one. It has simply captured the hearts of millions of people from all around the world. And there is no debate as to why, the passion of the fans and the incredible skills that professional players have made football such a beloved game. However, it’s true that one of the most overlooked aspects of this sport is the enormous impact that the managers have on it. 

Over the years, there have been many influential managers who have revolutionized the game, both tactically and culturally. These managers have left an indelible mark on football and their legacies continue to shape the sport to this day in one way or another. So, whether you are a newcomer in football, or you are a longtime fan who regularly checks Champions League tips and predictions, you can sit back and learn a few incredible facts about some of the most influential managers in football history.

Rinus Michels

Rinus Michels is considered by many fans and professionals to be the father of modern football. He became famous after introducing the concept of Total Football. This very interesting style of play revolutionized the sport in the 1970s.

Total Football is a highly unusual and fluid way of playing football. The idea is basically that every player on the field can play any position. The goal is to maintain possession of the ball as long as possible and then create space that the attackers can exploit. Michels introduced this style of play while coaching at Ajax Amsterdam, where he won four Dutch league titles and three European Cups.

His innovative coaching methods and Total Football philosophy have inspired countless managers and players. Michaels’ influence can even be seen in the way the game is played today. He was inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame in 1999 and is still remembered as one of the greatest managers in football history.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson is without a doubt one of the most successful and influential managers in football history. He played as a striker before eventually becoming a coach. He is best known for his legendary tenure at Manchester United, where he won 13 English Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles, among many other trophies.

Ferguson was renowned for his ability to almost instantly change tactics in the middle of a game. He was never afraid to make bold decisions, like selling star players or introducing new tactics, but only if he believed it was in the best interests of the team.

Ferguson retired in 2013, having spent 26 years in charge of Manchester United. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence coaches and players around the world.

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is one of the most innovative and successful managers in modern football. He started his football career as a midfielder for Barcelona and the Spanish national team before he eventually turned to coaching. He took over as manager of Barcelona in 2008 and won 14 trophies in four seasons, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles.

Guardiola’s coaching style is based on possession-based football. This tactic allows the players to dominate the ball and control the pace of the game. He always insists on quick passing, movement off the ball, and high pressing to win the ball back. Pep’s teams also focus on attacking play, constantly creating chances and scoring goals on their road toward victory.

His style of play has influenced managers and teams around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the best coaches of his generation. His success has also paved the way for a new generation of Spanish coaches, who have been inspired by his ideas and adapted them to their own teams.

José Mourinho

José Mourinho is one of the most successful but also controversial managers in football history. In contrast to most of the other successful coaches, he started his career in amateur football before turning to coaching. 

Mourinho’s coaching style is concentrated on defensive solidity and counter-attacking. His teams are often compact and difficult to break down, but incredibly dangerous on the counter-attack. He is also widely respected among players, with many of them speaking rather highly about his ability to motivate and inspire everyone. 

However, Mourinho’s coaching style and personality have also led to some controversy. He has been involved in numerous high-profile spats with players, other managers, and even the media. This confrontational approach has earned him both admirers and detractors, but there is no denying his success and impact on modern football.
Jose Mourinho also earns big money. At Manchester United, he was earning £49,315 per day and £41,096 per day at Tottenham! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of football has been shaped by several influential managers over the years. From Rinus Michels and his innovative Total Football system to José Mourinho’s defensive solidity, each of these managers has left their mark on the game in their own unique ways.

Their legacies continue to shape modern football and inspire future generations of players and coaches. As football continues to evolve and grow, there’ll be many more influential managers who will make their mark on the game in the years to come.