Premier League managers as players: Ranking the 20 top-flight bosses on their playing careers

Premier League managers as players: Ranking the 20 top-flight bosses on their playing careers
Sol Campbell is the latest former football great to take the plunge into management.The former England, Arsenal and Tottenham star penned an 18-month deal with League Two basement boys Macclesfield Town earlier this week.13

Campbell has joined former England team-mates Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in becoming a manager

Campbell, along with managerial rookies Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, will hope to coach a Premier League club one day.All three men enjoyed glorious trophy-laden careers, and have instantly become some of the most decorated coaches based on their playing days.But not all bosses have tasted success as a player.Below, talkSPORT.com ranks every current top flight manager based on their playing career from worst to best.

---

20. Maurizio Sarri (Chelsea)

Playing honours: None13

Maurizio Sarri has enjoyed a good start to life at Chelsea

The Chelsea manager never played football professionally.With a lack of experience in the game, Sarri made his name managing clubs in the lower Italian leagues before getting his big break at Napoli in 2015.

19. Jose Mourinho (Manchester United)

Playing honours: NoneDespite his success as a manager, the Portuguese coach had an uneventful playing career. He primarily spent time with Portuguese sides clubs Belenenses, Sesimbra and Rio Ave.The midfielder-turned-defender ended his career as a footballer at Comercio e Industria, making just 27 appearances, in his early 20s.Mourinho can be seen in the below video, around one minute in, taken during the 1981/82 season while he was playing for Rio Ave.

18. Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace)

Playing honours: NoneHodgson featured prominently for Crystal Palaces youth teams but failed to make the step-up to the senior side. After being released in 1966, he spent several years in non-league football with clubs such as Tonbridge, Gravesend & Northfleet, Maidstone United and Carshalton Athletic.He worked as a PE teacher while playing for Ashford Town.

The before-they-were-managers #EURO2016 edition is here : https://t.co/h8Y88nRN0NWIth the good Roy HODGSON pic.twitter.com/JbBDw6z5vV— Old School Panini (@OldSchoolPanini) April 18, 2016

17. Marco Silva (Everton)

Playing honours: None13

Everton are making steady progress under Marco Silva

Silva spent his entire playing career in Portugal, and aside from two Primeira Liga games, he plied his trade in the second and third divisions.The right-back ended his 15-year career at second division club Estroli, amassing over 300 appearances as a footballer, representing Trofense, Rio Ave, Braga B, Salgueiros and Odivelas.

16. Rafa Benitez (Newcastle)

Playing honours: Tercera Division 1981/82The Spaniard joined Real Madrid when he was 13 and played in various youth teams until the age of 20, winning the Spanish Youth Championship in 1978.A series of injuries ruined his chances of playing at the highest level. He joined Spanish minnows Parla where he won promotion to the second division. But a recurrence of knee problems forced Benitez into retirement.

And by the way : Rafael BENITEZ – Real Valladoid 1995-96 pic.twitter.com/20nCqFOJz5— Old School Panini (@OldSchoolPanini) May 15, 2013

15. Unai Emery (Arsenal)

Playing honours: None13

Unai Emery only made five La Liga appearances

The Spaniard spent most of his playing career in his homelands second division and retired at the age of 32 with third-tier club Lorca Deportiva.He was a left-sided winger and came through the ranks at Real Sociedad, but chalked up just five league appearances.

14. Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)

Playing honours: None13

Eddie Howe during his Bournemouth playing days

Much like his managerial career, Howe spent most of his playing days at Bournemouth. After playing for local teams in Dorset, he signed his first professional deal with the Cherries. After impressing on the South Coast, he was selected for Englands Under-21 team for the Toulon Tournament.He was Harry Redknapps first signing as Portsmouth boss, but a serious knee injury shortened his playing career and he retired during a second spell at Bournemouth.

13. Neil Warnock (Cardiff)

Playing honours: None13

Neil Warnock is trying to keep Cardiff in the Premier League

Warnock never played in Englands top-flight, spending his 11-year career in the lower leagues with Rotherham, Hartlepool, Scunthorpe, Aldershot, Barnsley, York City and Crewe.He cut his career short to focus on becoming a coach.

12. Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Playing honours: None13

Jurgen Klopp (right) fights for possession

Klopp spent his whole career in Germany, most notably playing for Mainz in an 11-year spell.He started his playing days as a striker but transitioned into a defender, scoring 52 league goals for Mainz.

11: Claudio Ranieri (Fulham)

Playing honours: Four promotionsThe Tinkerman started his playing career with Roma, but made just six appearances in two years. He spent most of his career at Catanzaro, winning two promotions, and tasted the same success with Catania and Palermo.Playing as a defender, he made over 350 appearances with the four Italian clubs.

When young Claudio RANIERI looked like Jon Snow !U.S Catanzaro 1979-80#GOT pic.twitter.com/csPaYccRqk— Old School Panini (@OldSchoolPanini) January 12, 2018

10. Sean Dyche (Burnley)

Playing honours: Second Division 1995/96, 1997/98, 2000/01, League Two 2005/0613

Sean Dyche captained Chesterfield

Dyche was known as a no-nonsense centre-half who raked up more than 500 appearances in England.He spent seven years with Chesterfield, winning the Division Three play-offs in 1995 and reaching an FA Cup semi-final two years later. He tasted more success in his career as he won promotion to Division One with Bristol City and Millwall before moving to Watford and Northampton Town.He did all this despite claiming a broken leg suffered early in his career held him back.

9. Manuel Pellegrini (West Ham)

Playing honours: Copa Chile 1979/80

Manuel PELLEGRINI – Universidad de Chile pic.twitter.com/L5GkrBSYv8— Old School Panini (@OldSchoolPanini) February 4, 2017

The Chilean made over 500 appearances for Universidad de Chile in a 13-year spell, his only club as a professional footballer.He was a regular in the heart of their defence and won 28 caps playing for his country.

8. David Wagner (Huddersfield)

Playing honours: UEFA Cup 1996/9713

David Wagner celebrates winning the UEFA Cup

The Terriers’ manager spent four years playing with Klopp at Mainz, which is where their friendship began. Wagner was a striker, and earned a move to Schalke in 1995, where he won the UEFA Cup.Wagner, who was born to an American father and German mother, won eight caps for the USA national team.

7. Javi Gracia (Watford)

Playing honours: Segunda Division 1992

@SpheraSports @futbolquotes @OldSchoolPanini Gracia con el Lleida la 93/94, aunque slo jugara cedido la 92/93 pic.twitter.com/ihu2wqSv6p— Josep Marfull (@sastrecoix) March 19, 2016

His 12 goals helped Lleida return to La Liga in 1993 after a 40-year absence. He went on to spend six years in La Liga with Real Valladolid and Real Sociedad before returning to the second tier to win promotion with Villarreal.Gracia ended his career with Segunda Division club Cordoba.

6. Claude Puel (Leicester)

Playing honours: Ligue 1 1981/82, Coupe de France 1980/81, 1985/86, 1991/92, Trophee des Champions 1985/86His 17-year playing career was spent at Monaco in France. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he made 601 appearances.Despite his success as a footballer, Puel never played for his country.You can watch Puel in action, in the 1989 Coupe de France final, below…

5. Chris Hughton (Brighton)

Playing honours: FA Cup 1981/82, 1982/83, UEFA Cup 1984/85, Charity Shield 1981/82, Division Three 1991/9213

Chris Hughton won two FA Cups with Tottenham

The full-back was a consistent presence in Tottenhams defence, making more than 300 appearances in 13 years for the north London club.He is regarded as one of Spurs greatest full-backs. His career came to an end after two-year stints with West Ham and Brentford. He appeared 53 times for the Republic of Ireland national team.

4. Nuno Espirito Santo (Wolves)

Playing honours: UEFA Champions League 2003/04, UEFA Cup 2002/03, Intercontinental Cup 2004/05, Copa del Rey 2001/02, Primeira Liga 2002/03, 2003/04, 2007/08, 2008/09, Taca de Portugal 2002/03, 2008/09, Supertaca Candido de Oliveira 2003/04, 2004/05, 2009/1013

Nuno Espirito Santo in action for Porto

Nuno has an impressive CV of clubs including Porto, Dynamo Moscow and Deportivo La Coruna, but made a combined total of just 29 appearances as a second-choice goalkeeper.He had more playing time in loan spells at lower league Spanish clubs Merida and Osasuna, though.While at Porto, Nuno’s manager Jose Mourinho allowed the glovesman to take a penalty, which he converted, in their 7-0 thrashing of Varzim SC in 2003.

3. Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham)

Playing honours: Argentine Primera Division 1990/91, Copa del Rey 1999/2000, 2005/06, Clausura 1992/9313

Mauricio Pochettino was a tough centre-half

The Argentine started his career in his homeland with Newells Old Boys, winning one league title. He spent most of his playing days at Espanyol, making more than 250 appearances across two spells, while also taking in spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux.He won 20 caps for his country, featuring in all three group games in the 2002 World Cup.

2. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)

Playing honours: La Liga 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1997/98, 1998/99, Copa del Rey 1996/97, 1997/98, Supercopa de Espana 1991/92, 1992/93, 1994/95, 1996/97, European Cup 1991/92, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup 1996/97, UEFA Super Cup 1992/93, 1997/98Guardiola enjoyed consistent success at Barcelona after progressing through La Masia. A defensive midfielder, the Manchester City boss played as a pivot in Johan Cruyffs Barcelona ‘Dream Team’, going on to captain the club between 1997 and 2001.He had spells at Brescia, Roma and Al-Ahli before retiring in Mexico with Dorados.

1. Mark Hughes (Southampton)

Playing honours: Premier League 1992/93, 1993/94, FA Cup 1984/85, 1989/90, 1993/94, 1996/97, Football League Cup 1991/92, 1997/98, 2001/02, Charity Shield 1990/91, 1993/94, 1994/95, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup 1990/91, 1997/98, UEFA Super Cup 1991/9213

Mark Hughes played under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United

His 22-year trophy-laden career started with Manchester United after coming through their renowned academy.His form for the Red Devils earned him a move to Barcelona for two years, before being brought back to United for a then club-record 1.8million fee.He went on to play for Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn, while winning 72 caps for Wales.

---

Keep up to date with the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service. Text NEWS to 07776197989 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as spurs dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Alasdair Gold and the team on Spurs.
Serge Aurier in, Dele Alli out: Tottenham's probable XI vs PSV

---

Championship round-up: Derby seize control of final play-off spot, Rotherham relegated after heartbreak at West Brom, plus more All the action from a crucial day at the top and bottom of the
Championship round-up: Derby seize control of final play-off
gistjunction.com/2019/04/27/championship-round-up-derby-seize-control-of-final-play-off-spot-rotherham-relegated-after-heartbreak-at-west-brom-plus-more/
Championship round-up: Derby seize control of final play-off spot, Rotherham relegated after heartbreak at West Brom, plus more.
Championship round-up: Derby seize control of final play-off

---

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has announced his retirement after 16 years in the game. The 34-year-old, who also represented West Ham, Chelsea, Portsmouth and Stoke City during his career

---

Celtic 2-1 Rangers: Alfredo Morelos accepts fine after

---

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has not talked to Eric Dier about that goal celebration (Pic: GETTY). Dier shushed the Arsenal substitutes and fans after equalising at the Emirates and it escalated into a huge melee.
Watch: Eric Dier sparks derby scuffles between Arsenal and

---

Bordeaux midfielder Younousse Sankhare out injured due to

---

Liverpool and Bayern Munich lock horns in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie on Tuesday, in what promises to be a mouthwatering contest. The UEFA Champions League resumes this
Champions League: Liverpool v Bayern Possible Line-up

---

Leicester City 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs gear up for

---

Eric Cantona posted a video of a man smashing an egg with his erect penis. The clip was posted to the Manchester United legend's Instagram page around six hours before the Manchester derby.
Eric Cantona shares 'penis-egg' video on Instagram ahead of

---

Rio Ferdinand thinks Liverpool's front three can 'destroy' Bayern Munich in their Champions league showdown on Wednesday. Liverpool travel to Germany for the second leg with the last-16 tie finely
Rio Ferdinand Predicts Liverpool to 'Destroy' Ageing Bayern

---

Welcome to the Official Man City FC website. Get all the latest news now, injury updates, TV match information, player info, match stats and highlights, plus tickets, shirts and much more.
Manchester United - All News Sources - 2 May 2018
atomicsoda.com/manutd/news/all-sources/2-may-2018
Manchester United's Premier League points total could be better than past title winners Soccernet - Wed May 2 4:48 PM Jose Mourinho says he's Michael Essien's 'white daddy' as Manchester United boss lauds ex-Chelsea star
Liverpool - All items - 10 May 2019
atomicsoda.com/liverpool/all/10-may-2019
Premier League taking real trophy to Manchester City match and replica to Liverpool ahead of final day Independent - Wed May 8 4:49 PM Contract agreed: Liverpool strike deal for transfer of £69m star but Man United, Tottenham & Real Madrid still in the running
Arsenal Archives - Football Gambler

---

Manchester United transfer news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urged

---

manchester barcelona champions league live streaming
egypt premier league live streaming
premier league live stream no sign up
best champions league live streaming
streaming liverpool arsenal live gratuit premier league
international champions league live streaming
football live streaming barcelona vs liverpool
champions league draw live streaming youtube
saudi premier league live streaming
champions league live streaming channels in india
premier league live streaming usa free
champions league live stream univision
real madrid vs juventus champions league live streaming
premier league live stream bt sport
youtube barclays premier league live streaming
live streaming champions league yalla shoot
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online reddit
football live streaming mamahd
live streaming of afghanistan premier league
football live streaming mama
afghanistan premier league live streaming channel name
premier league live streaming hotstar
football live streaming android
best free live streaming champions league
premier league live stream buffstream
english premier league live streaming youtube
manchester united vs manchester city live streaming premier league
english premier league live streaming
best live streaming premier league
ajax aek champions league live streaming
football live streaming barcelona
champions league final live streaming hd
premier league free live streaming hd
mumbai premier league 2019 live streaming
afghanistan cricket premier league live streaming
premier league live stream sky
champions league live streaming indonesia
football live streaming arabic
football live streaming app for android
champions league live stream konferenz
premier league live streaming football
football live streaming sites india
champions league draw live stream uefa
champions league live streaming sports
football live streaming barcelona vs manchester united
diretta gol premier league live streaming
napoli liverpool champions league live streaming
football live streaming sites app for android
premier league live stream sky sports
indian premier league youtube live streaming
watch indian premier league live streaming
football live streaming japan
premier league live stream singapore
live streaming uefa champions league bein sport
epl live streaming hotstar
football live streaming barcelona vs real madrid
premier league live stream first row
ehf champions league live streaming
premier league live streaming hd free
champions league quarter finals live streaming
barclays premier league live streaming sky sports free
free live streaming liverpool vs psg champions league
english premier league live streaming star sports
premier league live streaming sopcast
champions league final live streaming totalsportek
star sports premier league live streaming
free premier league live streaming
champions league draw live streaming free
watch live premier league football streaming online for free
champions league live streaming channels
uefa champions league quarter final draw 2017 18 live streaming
dhangadhi premier league 2 live streaming
champions league live stream kostenlos ohne anmeldung
champions league final live stream english
liverpool champions league live streaming
south africa premier league live streaming
man city vs liverpool champions league live streaming
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online india
champions league live streaming bayern
champions league live streaming sites
real madrid vs juventus champions league live streaming free
gibraltar premier league live stream
uefa champions league quarter final draw live streaming in india
watch real madrid vs juventus live streaming of champions league
live streaming video handball ihf men's handball champions league
football live streaming tv app
bangladesh premier league live streaming in india
uefa champions league live streaming youtube
uefa champions league live streaming free online hd
champions league live streaming free justin tv
ipl indian premier league live streaming
big boss t20 premier league live streaming
roma vs barcelona champions league live streaming
premier league live stream manchester united
english premier league live streaming in pakistan
uefa champions league live streaming hotstar
indo international premier kabaddi league live streaming
watch premier league live streaming
uefa champions league live streaming free online liverpool
espn champions league live streaming
caribbean premier league live streaming in india
premier league live stream reddit
juventus ajax champions league live streaming
uefa champions league real madrid vs bayern munich live streaming
world snooker champions league live streaming
champions league semi final live streaming
football live streaming app download
indian premier league live streaming 2018
barcelona psg champions league live streaming
karnataka premier league live streaming channels
premier league live stream quora
uefa champions league real madrid vs psg live streaming
champions league live stream england
english premier league live stream hd
premier league live streaming xbox one
champions league live stream konferenz free
premier league live streaming india
live streaming of uefa champions league
champions league live streaming radio
real madrid champions league live streaming free
football live streaming juventus vs sassuolo
premier league live stream hd online
premier league live stream manchester united vs southampton
sri lanka premier league 2018 live streaming
ten sports champions league live streaming
champions league round of 16 draw live streaming
celtic champions league live streaming
tottenham vs juventus champions league live streaming
masters champions league live streaming sony six
champions league live streaming video free
champions league live streaming russia
bangladesh premier league live streaming
football live stream extension
manchester united vs sevilla champions league live streaming
sony liv champions league live streaming
#messi #bundesliga #Cristiano #futbol #foxdeportes #mufc #Like4Like #transfers #telemundodeportes #fifa #beinsportsusa #football #tottenham #news #deporte #amrabat #laliga #zinedinezidane #CristianoRonaldo #degea #foxsports #premierleague #Instagood #england #Football #beinsports #RealMadrid #footy #Manchesterunited #durhamregion #likes4likes #manchestercity #futbolmexicano #Bale #ChampionsLeague #ajax #oshawa #likeforlike #liverpool #manchesterunited #Ronaldo #halamadrid #Ronaldo #LeoMessi #likeforlikes #Messi #barcelona #united #Casillas #sanchez #sports #salah #pogba #BayernMunchen #courtois #realmadrid #soccer #433