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Dark Horses
4. Ryan Giggs, 40 – Manchester United
Ryan Giggs (C)
There has never really been any doubt that Giggs would move into management once his playing days came to an end – it’s just that the Welshman has continued working on the field well into his 41st year. Many see Giggs as a future United manager in waiting, but could the former winger move directly from playing into the hot-seat? It’s possible, if a very long shot. Certainly, it seems as if Giggs will finally retire in the summer, whether by choice or Moyes’ instruction.
Giggs might be a universally popular choice as United manager, but his appointment is likely to be far too risky for the Glazer family. Moreover, while two decades under Sir Alex’ instruction might have rubbed off the same was once thought of Bryan Robson, Paul Ince, Roy Keane, Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce – a quintet with very mixed results.
- Tactics: unknown
- Achievements: none as coach or manager
- Employment history: none
- Pros: United favourite schooled in the ‘United way’ under Ferguson
- Cons: Inexperienced as a coach, let alone manager
- Odds: 12/1
- Availability: out of contract as a player in June 2014
5. Antonio Conte, 44 – Juventus
Antonio Conte
Juve’s two-time Serie A winning coach, with a third on the way, has built an impressive CV in a managerial career not yet into its eighth year. Conte has long been a son of The Old Lady, having played more than 400 Serie A games for the club, but spent plenty of time in managerial backwaters before receiving the call in 2011. After retiring in 2004, Conte coached at Arezzo – twice – Bari, where he secured the Serie B title, Atalanta and Siena – five jobs in as many years. It was a tough proving ground for the 44-year-old former midfielder.
In the past three years Conte has solidified Juve’s revival following the Calciopoli scandal, building a team around Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and the irrepressible Andrea Pirlo. Often deploying a 3-5-2 now popular in Italy, Conte has built an attacking home team, if one that can be circumspect on the road.
The Italian would represent a significant gamble even if he is willing to move on from Juve, which is by no means certain.
- Tactics: prefers a 3-5-2, using a narrow three man midfield and two wing-backs – the Italian way!
- Achievements: Bari – Serie B 2009. Juventus – Serie A 2012, 2013; Supercoppa 2012, 2013
- Employment history: Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta, Siena, Juventus
- Pros: One of Europe’s outstanding young coaches
- Cons: Has never worked outside of Italy
- Odds: 16/1
- Availability: contracted to Juve until 2015
6. Carlo Ancelotti, 54 – Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti
It should surprise few, but Ancelotti may not have done enough to earn a second season at Real Madrid, leaving the Italian open to offers next season. Still, Ancelotti has few peers in the game, having twice won the Champions League, secured the Club World Cup, and won league titles in three countries. With Chelsea the 54-year-old secured the Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010. Still, Real have not yet claimed La Liga and Ancelotti’s side was perhaps fortunate to scrape through to this season’s Champions League semi-final.
Whatever happens this summer, Ancelotti has enjoyed a storied career, making his name at Milan where he coached for eight largely successful seasons. He twice finished second in Serie A with Juventus before winning the 2004 title with the Rossoneri. The Champions League was secured twice with Milan, before Ancelotti claimed titles in England and France. He may yet win silverware with Real and would represent a very safe pair of hands.
- Tactics: Typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 system at Real Madrid after experimenting with a diamond
- Achievements: Juventus – Intertoto Cup 1999. Milan – Serie A 2004; Coppa Italia 2003; Supercoppa 2004; Champions League 2003, 2007; Super Cup 2003, 2007; Club World Cup 2007. Chelsea – Premier League 2010; FA Cup 2010; Community Shield 2009. Paris Saint-Germain – Ligue 1 2013
- Employment history: Reggiana, Parma, Juventus, Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid
- Pros: Experienced, with an impressive ‘big club’ record, previously coached in the Premier League
- Cons: Sacked as Chelsea manager, barren spell with Milan in latter years, may not excite fans
- Odds: 16/1
- Availability: contract with Real runs until 2016
Long Shots
7. Frank de Boer, 43 – Ajax
de Boer is a young coach with a strong future who is likely to be in demand across the continent this summer. The former Dutch international has led Ajax’ renaissance with four Eredivisie titles in a row, including that of the current campaign. Reportedly turned down an offer from Liverpool in summer 2012 before Brendan Rodgers’ appointment at Anfield, while Tottenham Hotspur’s approach is yet to be formalised.
- Tactics: Deploys a typically Dutch 4-3-3 system, complemented by a high-pressing game
- Achievements: Ajax – Eredivisie 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014; Johan Cruijff Shield 2013
- Employment history: Ajax
- Pros: Young manager schooled in the Total Football philosophy
- Cons: Inexperienced with no ‘Big Club’ pedigree
- Odds: 25/1
- Availability: contracted to Ajax until 2017
8. Mauricio Pochettino, 42 – Southampton
Young manager who has built an impressive Southampton side that will comfortably secure a mid-table position this season. Would be attracted by an offer to coach at a higher level, although this summer is likely to be a job too soon for any of Europe’s largest clubs.
- Tactics: 4-4-2/4-5-1 with a very high tempo pressing game
- Achievements: none to date
- Employment history: Espanyol, Southampton
- Pros: Has built an attractive Southampton team on a reasonable budget
- Cons: Inexperienced at the highest level, poor English
- Betting: 25/1
- Availability: year-to-year contract with Southampton
Rank Outsiders
9. Pep Guardiola, 46 – Bayern MunichThe man many fans believe Sir Alex should have anointed as the next United manager. Guardiola has enjoyed a fruitful first season with Bayern, securing the Bundesliga title with seven games to go, while his side is into the Champions League semi-final. Enjoyed a hugely successful four year spell at Barcelona.
10. Jose Mourinho, 50 – ChelseaArrogant, pretentious, controversial and brilliant in equal measure. One of the world’s finest coaches and a serial winner in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain. Possibly the best strategist and in-game tactician of the modern era. Mourinho was overlooked for the United job due to a perceived lacked of loyalty and his controversial manner.
11. Fabio Capello, 67 – RussiaVeteran Italian coach has built a club career with very few peers, although the four year spell in charge of England has tarnished the former Milan manager’s reputation on these shores. Still, he has secured five Serie A titles and two in Spain. Vastly experienced and a very safe pair of hands if only for a short spell.
