Top 5 football managers who are currently unemployed

#3: Ernesto Valverde

Ernesto Valverde's time with Barcelona will be remembered for lows like the 4-0 second-leg defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League semifinals.

Ernesto Valverde will feel hard done by considering how he was relieved of his duty as the head coach of Football Club Barcelona. The 56-year-old Spaniard picked up 2.2 points per game with the Catalans, winning the league title in both of his full seasons.

However, his playing style and overdependence on Lionel Messi were considered massive drawbacks. That being said, in Valverde's absence, Barcelona's league form has exacerbated, and they ended up losing their crown to Real Madrid.

Valverde's ability to squeeze out results one way or another is underrated. After all, he has been successful wherever he has been. He has managed some of the biggest football clubs in Spain like Athletic Club and Villarreal. He also has experience of success in unchartered territories, having succeeded with Olympiacos in two managerial stints.

Ernesto Valverde has too good a football managerial resume to remain umemployed for too long, and it wouldn't come as much surprise if another major club comes calling for his services once again.

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#2: Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino made Spurs a force to reckon with again

Much like Valverde, Mauricio Pochettino will feel betrayed by the Tottenham Hotspur management for getting the boot. The Argentine worked wonders with a below par Spurs squad and developed them into legitimate English heavyweights.

A run of poor form shouldn't have been enough for Daniel Levy to get rid of his star football manager, but he decided to do so anyway. Perhaps a lack of silverware was a major reason, although a Champions League final appearance is no less than a trophy in itself considering the strong opponents in domestic football.

Pochettino's sack came as a big surprise to many as he was solely responsible for bringing Spurs back among the big boys. He picked up 1.84 points per game with Tottenham in almost 300 games, which is a very healthy record.

Most importantly, it was the style of football played by Tottenham under Pochettino that impressed most neutrals. The Argentine tactician was not only playing effective football but laid emphasis on a free-flowing style that was easy on the eye.

Still only 48, the former Southampton and Espanyol manager is still regarded as one of the best football managers in the world. Needless to say, Mauricio Pochettino will have a number of interesting options to choose from as there is certainly no lack of suitors for him.

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#1: Massimiliano Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri regined supreme in Italy, but \couldn't cross the finish line in Europe.

Crazier things have happened in football, but how Massimiliano Allegri is without a job for over a year is anybody's guess.

Allegri spent five seasons with Juventus and created one of the strongest teams in modern-day Italian football. He won the Serie A title in all five seasons with the Bianconeri while also making it to the Champions League final on two occassions where Juventus came up short on each occasion.

The former AC Milan coach was widely regarded as one of the top five football managers on the planet during his time with Juventus. He brought about a fine balance of resolute defending and liquid attacking that was enjoyable to watch and highly effective. Allegri picked up 2.27 points per game with Juventus in 271 matches.

Allegri has worked with some of the biggest namees in world football that include the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon.

He is more than adept at delivering at the highest level and is known for his excellent man-management skills in clutch situations. He is a widely respected tactician who commands respect across the football world. Massimiliano Allegri will be a coup for whichever football club manages to snap him up.