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Football has evolved at a sublime rate over the past few years. The legacy of this sport has been carried to the new generation in a very changed fashion. It wouldn't be unfair to say that the culture of the game is nothing similar to its antiquity.
A sense of impatience and instant success has entered the game. Every club wants to win and compete at the top level but not by building up from scratch. The hunger for success has driven the sport to an era of madness.
In pursuit of dominance, the clubs are leaving no stones unturned. Be it taking some tough calls or spending a world record fee, no permutations are left unexplored. Breaking the stereotype is the new trend. Sometimes, these decisions backfire, and when they do they leave the spectators both amused and bemused.
Having said that, we take a look at the worst managerial appointments done over the last decade. Some of these managers left the world of football absolutely puzzled.
#5 Gary Neville - Valencia
Valencia had appointed the former Manchester United defender as their new manager in December 2015. He was handed a five-month contract with the aim of securing the Champions League place by the end of the season.
Valencia was ninth in the table when Neville took the charge, trailing the 4th spot by just five points. The decision to hire Neville was met with many surprises in Spain, due to his lack of prior experience, and as he was not fluent in Spanish.
In his first match in charge, Valencia crashed out of the Champions League after a defeat against Lyon. The next eight matches were a nightmare for the club as Neville failed to register a win. There was still something special to come. Valencia faced Barcelona in the semi-finals of Copa Del Ray. Barca hammered them 7-0 and the fans chanted for the Englishman's resignation.
Valencia also crashed out of the Europa League following an aggregate score defeat against Bilbao. On 30th March 2016, Gary Neville was sacked as Valencia manager, four months into his contract. He left Valencia at the 14th spot in the league, just six points above the relegation zone.
#4 Roy Hodgson - Liverpool
On 1 July 2010, Hodgson was appointed as manager of Liverpool. The Reds had finished seventh in Benitez’s final season, below Aston Villa. The decision of replacing Benitez was not well received by the Kop.
Financially, Liverpool was crumbling, weighed down by the debts of Tom Hicks and George Gillett. They went on to win just one of their opening eight league fixtures, including a home humbling by Blackpool and defeats at both Manchester United and Everton. Hodgson's tactics appeared to be shambolic.
By late October, speculation was rife that Hodgson would be dismissed. Liverpool was 19th in the table and playing sterile, disjointed football to get there.
In December, Anfield was in revolt when Wolves visited. Hodgson left the club by mutual consent on the morning of 8 January 2011, with Kenny Dalglish announced as his replacement.
#3 Diego Maradona - Argentina
Notably, the game's best player features on the list. Maradona proposed his candidacy for the role of Argentina's manager in November 2008.
After winning his first three matches, he oversaw a 6–1 defeat to Bolivia, equalling the team's worst ever margin of defeat. Argentina was in fifth place and faced the possibility of failing to qualify, but victory in the last two matches secured qualification for the finals.
Maradona used abusive language at the live post-game press conference. FIFA responded on the incident strongly and the manager was both fined and banned temporarily, with a warning as to his future conduct
The friendly against the Czech Republic, during the period of the ban, was canceled. The only match Argentina played during Maradona's ban was a friendly away to Catalonia, which they lost 4–2.
At the FIFA World Cup 2010, Argentina won their group and faced Mexico in round-of-16. They cruised past Mexico but handed a tough draw against Germany in the quarterfinals. Argentina was humiliated by Germany in the last eights. The team had lost which left the South American's ranked fifth in the tournament. Lionel Messi finished the tournament goal-less.
Argentina played with flair in South Africa but never looked affirming tactically. Maradona's inexperience was obvious in the loss to Germany, which exposed Argentina's defensive frailties and lack of midfield speed. On 27 July, the AFA announced that its board had unanimously decided not to renew Maradona's contract.
#2 Rafael Benitez - Real Madrid
After sacking their La Decima winning manager, Carlo Ancelotti in 2015, Real appointed Benitez as their manager. Benitez arrived from Italy and he had the experience at the top level having won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool.
The man was expected to bring glory back to Bernabeu after Real saw their arch-rivals Barcelona lift a treble in 2015. Benitez had an impressive start to the campaign winning ten straight league matches. His first loss came at Sevilla in a 3-2 defeat and the worst was to follow.
Real were drawn to Cadiz in the Copa del Ray and in the second leg they were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. Denis Cheryshev was suspended for the match yet Benitez fielded him, resulting in disqualification of the side. Few would have expected a mistake like that at the top level.
This wasn't the worst part if you are wondering. The greatest embarrassment for Real came in the form of a 4-0 defeat at Bernabeu against FC Barcelona. The home side was craving for the final whistle to keep the scoreline respectable at 4-0.
El Clasico proved to be the final nail in Benitez's coffin. On 4 January 2016, Benitez's contract was terminated following allegations of unpopularity with supporters, displeasure with players and a failure to get good results against top sides.
#1 David Moyes - Manchester United
When Sir Alex Ferguson left the manager's chair at Old Trafford in 2013, he was entrusted with the last responsibility of choosing his heir. Sir Alex recommended David Moyes's name as his experience of Premier League appealed the United boss.
David Moyes was given the United job on 1 July 2013. "The Chosen One" as the banners said at Old Trafford, little did anyone know what lied ahead.
Moyes never offered himself for the job, as if he knew what was to come ahead. There is no perfect adjective to describe what Moyes did at Manchester United. All the records that were engraved by Sir Alex at the walls of Old Trafford were demolished by Moyes.
Manchester United never appeared to be the reigning champions. Moyes had a shambolic season losing 15 and drawing 9 of his 51 matches managed. The teams like Swansea, Crystal Palace, Cardiff City who had never gained a point against United, went onto beat the Red Devils.
Moyes was sacked on 22 April 2014. United had crashed out of every competition and finished seventh in the league. It was after 34 years that Man United was going to miss European football.
