5 previously successful managers who failed in the Premier League

#5 Felix Magath

Felix Magath could not save Fulham from relegation despite being a three time Bundesliga winner.

A two-time winner of the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and a one-time winner with Wolfsburg, Felix Magath was the first ever German manager in the Premier League when Fulham hired him as their manager. Known for his hard training methods, Magath became well known for his emphasis on discipline and fitness and was once described by a former player as the “last dictator in Europe”. He also had unusual methods for treating injuries, and allegedly suggested one of his players rub cheese on a thigh injury.

When hired, Magath told the media that he believed he could save the side from relegation who were sitting at the bottom of the table with just 12 games to go. This was despite inheriting a team that had conceded 58 goals in 26 matches.

But instead of focusing on fixing the sides leaky defence, Magath instead decided to focus on strengthening the club’s midfield and attack, a choice which was largely questioned by the media and the club’s fans.

This resulted in a disastrous run for the side at a crucial time and Magath only managed to win four points in his first six matches. The side was promptly relegated after a 4-1 loss to Stoke and Magath said he believed he could earn immediate promotion from the Championship.

Unfortunately, the German manager just wasn’t cut out for English football and started the new season with consecutive losses to Ipswich Town, Millwall, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County. After a run of 11 games without a win, Magath was removed from his position.

Despite being one of the most successful managers in German history, Magath simply couldn’t handle the English Premier League, or the English Championship for that matter.