Five stars that could become top managers when they retire from playing.
When a player retires they are usually faced with one of four options. Either they will become a manager, a coach, go into punditry or leave the game altogether to partake in some other far flung pursuit. However, those that do go into management come from all backgrounds within the game. Some are seasoned internationals, whilst others work their way up the hard way through the lower leagues until they are given a chance at testing themselves at the top level. The names below are coming from the highest pedigree, and based on a number of reasons we believe that they will make excellent managers when the eventually hang up their boots.
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5. Frank Lampard
The former Chelsea man has been there and done it all at Stamford Bridge, thus proving that he already has the necessary experience to deal with similar high pressure situations from the hot seat. Throughout his career he has retained the utmost professionalism and having captained his club and country to such a high level for so long (albeit at various stages) it stands him in good stead to express his leadership as a manager. He has enjoyed some significant education from some top names in the game, and he will have no doubt picked up a few tricks along the way.
4. Mikel Arteta
Arteta is undoubtedly a very good player, but he’s not one of the greats. However, Arsene Wenger saw something in him to make him his captain for the current season. When most thought he’d be out the door this summer Wenger surprised everyone by naming him as skipper despite him being physically past his peak. That is because of his incredible standard of professionalism coupled with his high level of football intelligence. With several languages under his belt, and his positive influence in the dressing room, the Spaniard can be earmarked as a top manager for the future.
3. Ricardo Carvalho
The former Chelsea man is a clear thinker. Having formed a key understanding with John Terry and Ashley Cole for so long at Stamford Bridge, he became a crucial part in one of the stingiest defences the Premier League has ever seen. However, where for most that would mean that he would set himself up in a similar ilk as a manager, his frequent forays forward have yielded a career total of 22 goals – not bad for a centre-back. He is already taking his first steps into coaching at Monaco and it won’t be long before he’s trusted to take the reigns of a club in one of Europe’s top leagues.
2. Xabi Alonso
Alonso is as continental as they come, and his experience with the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and now Bayern Munich will no doubt have set him up with everything he will need for a career as a manager, should he choose to go that way, of course. A methodical midfielder with a sharp, analytical football mind, he would instantly command respect from young and more senior players alike and would likely continue his long running presence in the Champions League at a top, top club.
1. Xavi
The diminutive midfielder is a future Barcelona player in the making. Some would even argue that his influence over the years has been greater of that than Lionel Messi, as alongside Andres Iniesta he has formed one of the most devastating midfield partnerships of the modern game. Currently in his final season, he has been tipped to join new MLS side New York City FC, though it would be no great shock to see him immediately promoted to first team boss at the Catalan giants should Luis Enrique’s appointment not work out. Barca not only instill their own philosophy on the pitch but also on the sideline’s, too, and there are none more indoctrinated in their methods than the 34-year-old World Cup winner.
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