5 greatest player-manager relationships of all time

#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic-Jose Mourinho

Leicester City v Manchester United - The FA Community Shield

These days, it is hard to imagine Jose Mourinho endearing himself to a player or a fanbase for an extended period of time.

In his prime, though, the Portuguese was adored. Mourinho's charisma and mercurial nature, which often comes to the fore even today, influenced both fans and the players. Zlatan Ibrahimovic himself is an enigmatic figure, and the Swede played some of the best football of his career under the management of Mourinho.

Ibrahimovic is one of the best strikers of the modern generation. The former Ajax man played for two teams coached by Mourinho - Inter Milan and Manchester United. The 39-year old attacker has often expressed his admiration for the current Roma boss.

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#2 Lionel Messi-Pep Guardiola

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest managers of all time and Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players to have played the game.

When Guardiola was appointed Barcelona manager in 2008, he was an unknown quantity. The Spaniard soon proved his worth though. He played an important role in Messi's development, often utilizing the Argentine superstar as a false nine and helping the forward become arguably the best player in world football.

Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi reunite in the Champions League pic.twitter.com/0Y08GiD04F

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 26, 2021

Guardiola's Barcelona is seen as one of the greatest sides in football. Spearheaded by Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Barcelona swept aside their opponents and consistently won trophies during Guardiola's tenure.

Last summer, Messi openly announced his wish to leave Barcelona, and the Argentina international was keen on a move to Guardiola's Manchester City. But the move failed to materialize.

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo-Sir Alex Ferguson

Arsenal v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Semi Final

Cristiano Ronaldo's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson has been well-covered, with the Portuguese superstar often reiterating his respect for the legendary manager.

Ronaldo developed as one of the best players in the world during his first spell with Manchester United under the management of Ferguson. The Portugal international has called the Scot his "footballing father", and recently admitted that they still stay in touch.

Cristiano Ronaldo: "For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me." 🥺 pic.twitter.com/8te5sWzcDQ

— Goal (@goal) September 1, 2021

Ferguson played an extremely important role in ensuring Ronaldo returns to Manchester United this summer. The 36-year old was reportedly close to joining Manchester City from Juventus, but Ferguson intervened and Manchester United were able to get their man.

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