5 legendary footballers who failed as managers

#3 Edgar Davids

A legendary footballer but a below-average manager

Another legendary footballer who failed to shine in his managerial career, Edgar Davids was a real force to reckon with during his playing days. The Dutchman represented elite teams such as Inter Milan, Barcelona, Ajax and Juventus. He won multiple trophies and enjoyed a reputation as one of Europe's finest midfielders.

His coaching career, however, was a far cry from what he represented as a player. After enduring terrible stints as head coach at Barnet and Telstar, Davids was appointed manager by Portuguese club Olhanense in January this year.

However, after recording eight victories in 19 games and missing out on promotion to the top flight by one point, the club parted ways with the Dutchman. He is currently without a club and it doesn't look like he'll be making a return anytime soon.

#2 Alan Shearer

Shearer's status as a legendary footballer has been of no help to his coaching career

Being the all-time scorer in Premier League history is no mean feat. Alan Shearer is without doubt the most prolific striker the English top flight has witnessed since its establishment. However, apart from his exploits in front of goal, the Englishman hasn't had any tangible sporting success.

Like the other names on the list, Alan Shearer took to management after calling time on his playing career. He was appointed Newcastle head coach towards the end of the 2008-09 campaign, with the objective of saving the club from being relegated.

It ended on a pathetic note as the club picked up just five points from 24 in their last eight Premier League games of the term. The unwanted happened, with Newcastle parting ways with the Englishman after being relegated to the Championship at the end of the term. Ever since then, Shearer hasn't returned to management.

#1 Diego Maradona

Another legendary footballer who couldn't cut it as a manager

The notion that legendary footballers don't always become great managers is well summed up in the life of Diego Maradona. The former Argentina maestro is arguably the greatest player in history. But he'll need to take a back seat when great managers are being discussed.

The former Napoli attacker arrived as Argentina's manager entering the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa with much fanfare. However, his team couldn't make any serious statement in the tournament, with a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Germany prematurely ending their campaign in the quarterfinals.

Maradona was relieved of his duties at the end of the competition. Even though he later coached clubs like Al Wasl, Dorado and Gimnasia, he couldn't achieve tangible success. He passed on on November 25 last year at the age of 60.

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