7 Greatest Managers in World Cup History

The seven talented men that were responsible for guiding and managing their national football sides to glory at FIFA World Cups.

Generally, the sport of football maintains a trend for managers that does not allow them to keep their jobs for an extended period. The overturn of managers is immense, as every few years they are sacked if they don’t deliver the results.

However, for the managers that do manage to accomplishment significant results, they are lauded as national heroes in their countries. They often enjoy cult status among the respective populace and their names are forever remembered in the annals of World Cup history history for their great achievements.

Taking over the national team is perhaps one of the toughest managerial jobs, but if successful, the rewards are immense.

Vicente Del Bosque

If Del Bosque is successful in employing his team effectively and drawing out of them the very best performance throughout the competition, he will join the ranks of Vittorio Pozzo, as the only manager to win two titles. Some mobile betting providers have shown confidence in his ability, by offering preferential odds for Spain to triumph once again.

His talent and managerial style worked well for him in the past, however the current squad is in need of reinvention, if he is to realize his dream of a second world title. It would truly be the best send-off while at the top, should he decide to retire after the World Cup.

Joachim Loew

The current Germany coach became a full time manager following the Germany World Cup 2006, after the Jurgen Klinsmann decided not to extend his managerial contract.

Loew reached the final with Germany in the 2008 EURO, while also securing a third place finish at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It appears that the players of the squad respond well to him, and are consistent in delivering solid results.

In Brazil, however, many expect him to bring back the glory to the German side. A nation that has previously won the World Cup on three separate occasions.

Luiz Felipe Scolari

Scolari has already won the competition in 2002, as he headed the Brazilian team that lifted their fifth title. Although 12 years ago he had a greater attack at his disposal, consisting of the famous “Three R’s” (Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho), he still has a great chance for the ultimate glory, as Brazil is playing at home.

He has a great deal of experience on his shoulders, so Brazil is in great hands in the upcoming tournament. Due to this and certain other elements, numerous online sportsbooks in Brazil are forecasting a sixth trophy for the host nation.

Marcello Lippi

Lippi is credited with transforming the Italian side that saw them clinch their fourth World Cup title. He demanded team play from his player that created a unity within the squad.

Sceptics at the time expressed concern about the team, however once the World Cup commenced and Italy put on a great run of results, critics could be heard no more.

Furthermore, he is also the man responsible for lifting Italy from corruption ravaged football and making them put the Calciopoli scandal behind them, as the title took precedence over the scandal.

Miroslav “Ciro” Blazevic

He was instrumental in guiding the powerful Croatia side of the 1990s that had the likes of Suker, Vlaovic, Boban, Prosinecki and Bilic among their ranks. They stunned the world when they beat the EURO champions Germany 3-0 in the quarter finals of the 1998 World Cup in France.

Blazevic orchestrated the greatest achievement for Croatia in its football history. He inscribed Croatia in the history books, as they beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the fight for third place glory.

One of the main strengths of Blazevic was that he was an expert in managing and handling the great egos that footballers often possess. Due to his expertise and guidance, the Croatian squad was able to maintain a sense of unity and achieve glory for a country that just came out of a war.

Franz Beckenbauer

Beckenbauer was known to be a gifted player, however when he took over the reigns of Germany from Jupp Derwall, he didn’t disappoint. In his first World Cup in 1986 he steered the team to the final which they lost against Argentina.

He paid back the Argentinians four years later, as the Germans beat them in the 1990 final of the World Cup in Italy.

Beckenbauer was successful in creating a team that did not look so promising and make them into World champions. Many argue that it is a shame he didn’t continue his international managerial duties, considering his incredible success.

Vittorio Pozzo

Pozzo is the only manager in international football that has claimed two World Cup championships. He is hailed as one of the greatest managers at the World Cup, as he guided Italy to their first two titles in 1934 and 1938. Until this day, no manager has replicated the success of Pozzo.

• Vittorio Pozzo – only manager to win two world titles
• Vincente Del Bosque – vying to become the second manager to claim two titles
• Miroslav “Ciro” Blazevic – took Croatia to third place finish in 1998

The Italian side of the 1930s had some fearsome players among their ranks, however the players themselves would not have been able to utilize their great skills, were it not for Pozzo.

He created the so called “Metodo” which heavily relied on the inside forwards, while utilizing variations of the old 2-3-5 and W-M formations. For his immense contribution to Italian football he was assigned the title of “Commendatore.”

Nowadays managers assume a far tougher job than their past counterparts decades ago. Players today are more sensitive and have to be pampered with care, otherwise they may face scrutiny and protest from the heads in their national football federation.

Nevertheless, it is the greatest honor for any manger to be called up to lead their nation into a major tournament. That is the pinnacle of the managerial job, as all the prestige lies in that work.

A national football manager does not merely guide a group of players, but rather represents his nation to the world. Therefore, putting on a good show with their squads in Brazil, and hopefully winning something, will be the main point of focus for all managers.