Eight Famous Managers Reading
Can you identify the eight managers described in these profiles?
Choose from:
Sir Alex Ferguson Luiz Felipe Scolari
Jose Mourinho ArsŁne Wenger
Franz Beckenbauer Sir Bobby Robson
Sven Goran Eriksson Rinus Michels
A
Holds a Master s degree in economics, a professional football management qualification and is
fluent in three languages. He takes a scientific, analytical approach to the job. Once requested
that his players wives and partners attend a session on nutrition and cooking to ensure that
his players would eat healthily! Has been decorated by the Queen of England. His team is
considered one of the most creative in the English Premier League. So far has not managed
his national team.
B
Was not very successful as a player (he was a defender), has a hot temper and once even
punched an opposing player! Hardly ever sits down during a match, can generally be seen
shouting and waving at both players and officials. Once gave his players a translation of Sun
Tzu s  Art of War and is considered an excellent motivator though his teams are not known for
playing prettily. Has managed three national teams in his career. Won the World Cup in 2002.
C
Keeps his emotions under control at all times, dresses elegantly and has the air of a softly-
spoken gentleman. Managed England for five years and is considered the second most
successful England manager, although he is not English. Not keen on the glare of publicity.
D
Is the only person to have won the World Cup both as player (1974) and manager (1990).
Played as captain for the national team and pioneered the role of attacking sweeper, making
long penetrating runs from deep in defence. A born leader and master of strategy.
Author:Dennis Delany Page 1 of 22
r: Katie Jones.
� Pearson Education 2010 PHOTOCOPIABLE
Eight Famous Managers Reading
E
One of a long line of strict Scottish managers and by far the most successful manager in
British football history, he once kicked a boot at David Beckham in a dressing room row and is
known for his  mind games with rivals. As a player he was a striker and scored 167 goals in
327 matches. Famous for winning matches in the last minutes with brilliant substitutions.
Briefly managed the Scottish national team in 1986.
F
Invented the approach known as  total football in which any player can adopt the role of
another and perfected the defensive  offside trap . Named  Coach of the Century by FIFA in
1999. His incredibly talented and creative team was beaten by Germany in the World Cup final
in 1974.
G
Narrowly lost in the semi-finals of the World Cup to Germany in 1990, he came from a
working-class background and was universally popular. Famous for his understanding of
players psychology and man-management skills, this was reflected in many comments from
former players that he was like a father to them. Passed away in 2009 aged 76. Managed a
number of problematic players and did his best to help them overcome their demons.
H
Is known as  The Special One . Researches his opposing teams in detail before every match
and plans how to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Prides himself on being
a winner. An expert communicator who is outspoken when it suits him and also likes to tease
his opponents and the media. He revels in publicity but is a family man off the pitch.
Author:Dennis Delany Page 2 of 22
r: Katie Jones.
� Pearson Education 2010 PHOTOCOPIABLE