5 ex-football greats who have become successful managers

Michael Laudrup has received acclaim for his role as Swansea manager

Michael Laudrup – Widely regarded as one of the finest footballers from Denmark ,Laudrup has carried on that success in his managerial career.

The 49-year-old won the La Liga 5 times with Barcelona and lifted it again with Real Madrid in 1995, becoming one of the few players to achieve this remarkable feat.

The Dane is also a gifted leader and has lead Swansea to the Football League Cup, their first major achievement in 100 years. Laudrup was an equally successful manager in his country lifting the Danish Cup twice while managing Brondby in 2003 and 2005.

The Swans boss has made some excellent signings like Spanish hitman Miguel Michu and former Liverpool starlet Jonjo Shelvy. Bigger things are expected from this illustrious individual.

Solskjaer has remarkable skills as a manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Manchester United fans will always have a special place in their hearts for Solksjaer, who scored the winning goal for the Red Devils against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final of 1999.

The Norwegian has scored well over 200 goals in his entire career and is regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest signings. The ‘baby faced assassin’ had a successful stint as United’s reserve manager, where he won the reserve league in 2009, and is now back in his country, managing Molde.

The 40-year-old has already made his mark at Molde winning two Tippeligaen titles in quick succession in 2011 and 2012. Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praises on his former striker and expects him to return to Manchester United in the future.

Guardiola is already showing his class with Bayern Munich

Pep Guardiola - The Spaniard already has an impressive resume and he is still just 42. Guardiola was an exceptional defensive midfielder during his time with Barcelona and has inspired top players like Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas, who still speak glowingly of him.

During his time at Camp Nou, he won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies, a feat which earned him awards like the FIFA Coach of the Year and IFHHS World’s Best Coach award.

Guardiola has already hit the ground running with Bayern Munich by winning the UEFA Super Cup and is expected to lead the Bavarians to Bundesliga glory this year.

Atletico Madrid have become a top club under Diego Simeone’s leadership

Diego Simeone - The Argentine had a hugely successful career at Atletico Madrid winning a La Liga and the Copa Del Ray in 1996. The 43-year-old returned to the club as its manager and has lead them to a Copa Del Ray, a Europa League title and most recently a Copa Del Ray title.

Simeone is yet to win a the La Liga with Atletico but may not have to wait long as the club have had a stellar season so far under his guidance. Atletico are currently on top of the table ahead of their cross town rivals Real Madrid and look like genuine title contenders this season.

Conte has been excellent for Juventus so far

Antonio Conte - Juventus and Conte we’re always destined to be together, with the Italian winning 5 Serie A titles and one Champions League with the club during his playing days.

The 44-year-old returned as manager in 2011 and has led the Old Lady to two Serie A triumphs and an Italian Super Cup. The Italian had pulled of the remarkable achievement defeating Inter Milan in both their meetings in 2012, Fabio Capello is the only other manager to have achieved this. Many more things are expected from this top Italian manager.