3 Managers who lost control of the dressing room

#2 Frank Rijkaard

Manchester United v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Semi-Final

If there is one man who knows about player power all too well, it is Frank Rijkaard. The former Barcelona coach because he has seen the other side of the story too. Rijkaard was one of few players to undermine Johan Cruyff while at Ajax. It was quite surprising when Cruyff put the whole episode behind him and recommended Rijkaard for both Netherlands and Barcelona job.

At Barcelona, Cruyff judgment paid off with his former player revitalizing the club overseeing the progression and peak of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Carles Puyol. Rijkaard also promoted Lionel Messi into the first team and helped Barcelona win just their second champions league at that time.

However, towards the end of his tenure, the ship sank rapidly as Blaugrana succumbed to a third-placed finish in La Liga, finishing 18 points behind the eventual winners Real Madrid. At this time Rijkaard lost control over key players and did not have the support of the dressing room. Eventually, Pep Guardiola him in 2008.