5 current managers who didn't have successful playing careers

#3 Thomas Tuchel

The current Chelsea manager was a defender during his playing days.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel played for eight years without breaking into the professional scene. He operated as a defender with the likes of Augsburg and Stuttgarter Kickers in German youth football before retiring in 1998.

Tuchel made the switch to management, and earned his maiden assignment to coach Stuttgart's youth team. After a few years working with Mainz and Augsburg, the German was handed the reins of Borussia Dortmund in 2015.

He introduced himself to European football during his time with BVB, and it didn't take long before Paris Saint-Germain snapped up the German manager. Following two splendid years in the French capital, Tuchel was appointed Chelsea's manager midway through last season. He made his mark by leading the Blues to their second Champions League title.

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#2 Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp spent a few years playing grass-root football in Germany.

One of the finest managers in European football right now, Jurgen Klopp has enhanced his reputation after arriving in the Premier League in 2015. During his six-year stint at Liverpool, the Reds have won the Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Like the other names on the list, the 54-year-old failed to establish himself as a player, though. Klopp spent several years at the grassroot level of German football, but failed to break through. The best he got was a free transfer to Mainz 05 in 1990 where he spent 11 insignificant years before retiring in 2001.

Klopp's journey as a manager began with Frankfurt's youth team, from where he moved on to manage Mainz 05. The tactician joined Borussia Dortmund in 2008 before switching to Liverpool, where he has spent the last six years.

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#1 Jose Mourinho

The AS Roma manager played amateur football in Portugal.

The 'Special One' captured the hearts of fans by introducing a new approach to defending. His system proved to be a huge success, as he shocked Europe by leading Porto to the Champions League title in 2004.

Thanks to that spectacular spell, the Portuguese got the chance to manage some of the biggest clubs on the continent. That includes Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma.

He has won everything there is to win in club football, with many recognising him as one of the greatest managers in history. However, not everyone is aware that Mourinho tried to become a professional footballer without success.

The 'Special One' played football at the amateur level in Portugal, representing the likes of Belenenses, Rio Ave, Sesimbra and Industria. After eight years of wandering around, he decided to put an end to a fruitless career. Mourinho later made the switch to management, and that proved to be a hugely successful decision.