5 current managers who have never coached an international side

#3 Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone reacts during a Champions League game

Another manager with a long and eventful playing career, Diego Simeone made over 500 club appearances, of which nearly 150 came for Atletico Madrid. The Argentine was also briefly his country's most capped player, ultimately finishing with 108 appearances for La Albiceleste.

Diego Simeone previously coached in his native country with Estudiantes, River Plate and Racing Club. However, he rejected past rumors that strongly linked him to the national team.

"I get excited thinking about it [coaching Argentina] but the truth is I see myself as a coach who would work every day, who sees the growth of his players. I feel an identity with where I am [Atletico Madrid] and I'm in a place where I have more work to do," Simeone told TyC sports in 2019.

Simeone has transformed Atletico Madrid into a bonafide European superpower. Under his management, the club have won two La Liga titles, two Europa League wins and two UEFA Super Cups. The Rojiblancos have also won a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup during the Argentine's reign.

Simeone has led them to victories over some of the greatest Barcelona and Real Madrid teams of the modern era since taking over as manager in 2011.

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#2 Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho's infamous handcuff gesture while managing Inter Milan.

The only manager on this list who did not enjoy a successful playing career, Jose Mourinho's rise was fuelled by careful observation and audacious confidence. He made his name as a coach under Louis van Gaal at Barcelona, where Mourinho worked with a certain Spanish midfielder named Pep Guardiola.

Just over two decades later, Mourinho is one of the most decorated managers of all time, with 25 trophies to his name. The Portuguese coach has won trophies with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho's recent stint at Tottenham Hotspur, along with a mixed start to life at Roma, suggest his defensive tactics are at risk of becoming outdated.

However, there is no doubt that the serial winner's conservative approach would translate well to the international arena. Fernando Santos' Portugal (Euro 2016) and Didier Deschamps' France (2018 World Cup) have won major international honors while prioritizing defensive solidity.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Jose manage his native Portugal at some point in the future.

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#1 Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates a win against Liverpool.

Arguably the greatest manager in the world, Pep Guardiola's mind-boggling record speaks for itself. The Spanish coach has won 31 trophies with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Guardiola also holds the record for the most consecutive league games won in La Liga, the Bundesliga and the Premier League.

Long before building a Barcelona team that is often hailed as the greatest of all time, Pep Guardiola was already a Blaugrana legend as a player. He joined the famous La Masia academy as a 13-year-old and spent 17 years at Barcelona, including a successful spell as club captain.

Since his retirement in 2006, Guardiola has redefined football as we know it. Building upon Rinus Michels' and Johan Cryuff's concept of total football, he perfected it into what is known today as tiki taka.

The Spanish manager is known for his obsession with tactics, passing and anything to do with football. Guardiola's record suggests he could flourish in an international role. However, his constant energy and drive mean he certainly appears content in the comparatively chaotic world of club football.