Joe Kinnear, Fergie, Rafa, Kevin Keegan, Guardiola and more great managerial rants
WARNING! CONTAINS SOME SWEARING!
Newcastle fans could be forgiven for thinking they're stuck in a time warp, after it emerged that former manager Joe Kinnear is due to return to St James' Park as a director football. Kinnear's era as Toona manager was under-whelming to say the least, and aside from the lacklustre football, is perhaps only remembered for one particular foul mouthed rant. In the spirit of his potty-mouth, talkSPORT round up some of the best managerial rants...
Arsene Wenger - “Why do you look at me?”
The Arsenal boss is normally known for his placid nature, but showed a more fiery side in a pre-match press conference before the Gunners took on Bayern Munich in the 2012/13 Champions League. Wenger's “why do you look at me?” at his own press-conference was baffling.
Pep Guardiola - “El puto amo”
Like Wenger, Pep Guardiola is one of the more understated managers in the press-room, but his competitive nature occasionally comes to the surface. In 2011, Jose Mourinho's constant sniping at Barcelona finally got under Pep's skin and the Barcelona coach gave a press conference that has gone on to be defined by the phrase he used to describe Mourinho, “el puto amo” ('the f**king boss'). Baiting Guardiola proved a mistake on Mourinho's behalf, as the Barcelona players, fired-up by their manager's decision to finally take the Madrid man on at his own game, went on to eliminate Los Blancos from the Champions League.
Graham Taylor - “Don't shake your head!”
Like a scene straight out of the film Mike Bassett: England Manager, under pressure England manager Graham Taylor took questions from a press corps dismayed at his team selection during the failed 1994 World Cup qualifying campaign. He then directed his frustration at Today journalist Rob Shepherd. Painful to watch.
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Joe Kinnear - “F**k off and go to another ground”
During his time as interim Newcastle manager in 2008, Joe Kinnear gave the gathered press both barrels after questioning why, on his first day in charge, he had given the first team the day off. The Mirror's Simon Bird was called a c***, while Niall Hickman of the Daily Express was told to f*** off. Isn't everyone thrilled he's back?
Diego Maradona - “Those who criticised me can...”
The legendary Argentine was a less than legendary coach, so when he managed to qualify the Albiceleste for the 2010 World Cup, it was seen as a major achievement. So much so that he treated the Argentine media to this expletive-filled rant after confirming his nation's place at the tournament in South Africa. Warning: Maradona doesn't mince his words, so if you're easily offended, give this one a miss!
Roy Keane - “Are you just gonna let it ring?”
As a player, Roy Keane didn't like imperfection, so when one journalist made the mistake of allowing his phone to ring during one of the then-Ipswich manager's press-conference, his reaction was typically fiery.
Harry Redknapp - “No wonder he's in the f*cking reserves!”
The definitive Harry Redknapp moment. The former Portsmouth boss was attempting to give an interview while a training session was carried out in the background, but one reserve star made the mistake of hitting the gaffer with a ball. His reaction is priceless.
Alex Ferguson - “Alan Pardew is the worst...”
So many managers and journalists alike have felt the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson that we've lost count, but in the end, this outburst towards Alan Pardew feels appropriate given the Toon inspiration behind our round-up. Fergie manages to get digs in about annoying referees, betraying his trust and managing a 'wee club in the north east' in the space of a few sentences. Impressive!
Kevin Keegan – “I will love it if we beat them”
The former Newcastle boss was one of the first of many to make the mistake of responding to Sir Alex Ferguson's taunts, unleashing a rant that his since defined his so close, but yet so far tenure as Toon coach.
Rafa Benitez - “Fact”
Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez went one better than Kevin Keegan, ensuring that only one word is required to bring back memories of his particular anti-Ferguson rant. Fact!
What's your favourite managerial outburst? Let us know below...