Arguably one of the most emotion-fuelled sports in the world, football has become particularly well-known for its highly charged atmosphere over the last few decades, often leading to notable incidents.
While players and fans alike often get most of the publicity for some of the most contentious moments, it is fair to say that managers have been known to let their emotions run away with themselves.
As a result, we have reviewed some of the most animated managers in the “beautiful game“ over the last couple of decades, known particularly for their passion on the touchline.
Jose Mourinho
Where to even begin? The Portuguese, who adopted a couple of self-proclaimed nicknames over the years, most notably “The Special One,” is also one of the most divisive managers in the sport.
He is well-known for letting his emotions run away with him, which has sometimes got him into trouble with authorities. Arguably, his most standout moment as a manager, though, was when he was still making his name and which occured a season before he moved to English Premier League club, Chelsea.
In charge of FC Porto at the time (eventual and shock winners of the Champions League), he took his side to Old Trafford, where, following his side’s winning knock-out goal, he sprinted the length of the touchline and slid on his knees to celebrate with his players. Throughout his managerial career, Mourinho has remained one of the most animated managers in the game.
Jurgen Klopp
Following his appointment as Liverpool manager, he quickly became a firm favourite with the fans. The connection he generated, perhaps almost instantly, is one of the strongest between a manager and a club’s supporters.
Reds fans will fondly remember him for his actions on the touchline following goals, where he celebrated with the crowd. At the same time, he always made the extra effort after games to connect with the fans, regardless of a defeat or victory. There is no doubt that Klopp had a burning desire to win at all times and, in a way this is similar to the way in which a casino enthusiast might have a similar desire if they played the burning wins classic 5 lines slot.
His passion was reflected in his animated actions – Klopp lived and breathed Liverpool while he was at the club, and his touchline antics are as good as some of the football his team has played over the years.
Pep Guardiola
Perhaps in his later managerial career, the Spaniard has become one of the most successful and animated managers in the game.
Having been relatively calm during his tenure with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, likely due to the competition not being as fierce, since his arrival in the Premier League, we have seen Guardiola become much more animated on the touchline and this, as a result, has often led to him getting into trouble with referees.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Never one to shy away from controversy, the former Manchester United manager, despite being a serial winner, was renowned for his touchline antics, often bemusing fans and pundits alike.
Whether it was barking orders to his players or gesticulating frantically, Ferguson was as animated as you could get and often split a lot of opinions, especially during the earlier years of his reign.
Kevin Keegan
As passionate as a manager as he was as a player, Keegan was adored by Newcastle United fans during his time on Tyneside. On many an occasion, you could tell that from the touchline, it was as if he was kicking every ball and this type of passion quickly won over Magpies fans.
Keegan was famously quoted during the club’s Premier League title race with Manchester United in the late nineties as saying live in an interview, “I’d love it we beat them. I’d love it”, which further earned him a lot of support from the club’s fans for wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Sam Allardyce
A significant presence on the touchline throughout his managerial career, Allardyce will be best remembered for his impressive record at Bolton Wanderers, especially leading the club to a UEFA Cup (now Europe League) place. Having compiled a talented and effective squad that was hard to beat, this still did little to temper Allardyce’s passion.
Reportedly very well known for his animated team talks at half time, in addition to his antics on the touchline, he would often be on the wrong side of match officials, while he was not afraid to remonstrate his players on the pitch.