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Managers are the brains behind how a team performs on the pitch. The increased importance of tactical set-ups has made managers more popular than ever. The likes of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel are very well-known in football circles.
Managers are often judged by the trophies at the end of the campaign by almost all top clubs. Guiding the team to silverware helps motivate the squad. Most managers in the modern-game are purists and hence sticklers for philosophies. It has also made them the most important piece in the puzzle.
World-class managers have shaped some of the world's greatest teams in football history. Their tactics, style of play and ability to read the game has helped their respective teams achieve many milestones.
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However, some managers have been sacked even after winning trophies.
It is baffling and bizarre when clubs fire their managers despite ending a campaign with trophies. Some unfortunate managers have been sacked after failing to meet the club's sky-high expectations.
Today we will be taking a look at five such managers who endured the termination of their tenure after winning trophies.
#5 Antonio Conte - Chelsea
Antonio Conte's tenure at Chelsea was nothing short of sensational. It was packed with drama, controversies and success. The Italian mastermind inspired the Blues to a Premier League title in hisdebut campaign, demonstrating his caliber as head coach.
Conte's Chelsea were head and shoulders above the rest, finishing seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur and 15 above Manchester City. However, the Blues could not maintain their form in Conte's second season when they finished their league campaign in fifth place.
Although Conte delivered the FA Cup by defeating Manchester United, he was sacked after the end of the 2017/18 season.
#4 Jupp Heynckes - Real Madrid
Jupp Heynckes, a serial winner with Bayern Munich, was the manager behind Real Madrid's seventh European crown. A 1-0 victory against Juventus paved the way for Los Blancos' first European crown in 32 years. However, the German manager was sacked eight days post their European triumph.
Heynckes' tenure was brief as he failed to deliver domestic success. Under his tutelage, Madrid finished fourth in La Liga and were knocked out in Round 16 of the Copa Del Rey during the 1997/98 campaign.
Moreover, Jupp had problems with the numerous players in the star studded team which accelerated his termination. It was another unfortunate ending despite a fairytale climax to the campaign.
#3 Thomas Tuchel - PSG
Thomas Tuchel was just the kind of manager PSG needed with plenty of superstars in their ranks. The German manager was strict and tactically proficient, guiding the Ligue 1 giants to immense success in his two seasons at the club.
Tuchel helped PSG win two Ligue 1 titles in two years while guiding them to a French Cup and two French Super Cups, among other accolades. The manager's most notable contribution was in the Champions League, leading PSG to the 2019-20 finals only to lose against Bayern Munich.
It is no secret that Tuchel had problems with PSG's hierarchy. However, he also guided them to their best-ever position in their quest for European glory. Tuchel was relieved of his duties as PSG manager in December 2020 despite winning titles at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
Although Tuchel failed to win the elusive Champions League crown with PSG, he captured the title with Chelsea the following year.
#2 Jose Mourinho - Chelsea
Jose Mourinho, 'the Special One', will always remain one of the greatest managers in Chelsea history. His first spell at the club was a stand-out success as he left an incredible mark at Stamford Bridge. Under his guidance, the Blues set numerous records in the illustrious history of the Premier League.
Mourinho returned for a second stint at Chelsea in 2013. He guided the Premier League giants to the league title in his second season (2014/15). However, Chelsea endured a poor start to the following season with numerous controversies that made things worse for the Portuguese.
The veteran manager was relieved of his duties after a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on December 2015.
#1 Vincente del Bosque - Real Madrid
Real Madrid are always known for their ruthlessness when it comes to the termination of their managers. However, no one saw Vicente del Bosque getting the boot in the Spanish capital. The sacking bewildered many as the Spaniard was not offered a new contract two days after winning the La Liga title.
Under Vicente del Bosque's guidance, Los Blancos enjoyed an immensely successful era playing some entertaining football on the pitch. During his four-year tenure, the manager won two league titles and two Champions League titles, among other notable accolades.
There are widespread reports of Del Bosque's rift with senior members of the team and the board. However, no explanation was enough to justify the sacking of one of the most successful managers in Real Madrid's history.
