Defenders at the heart of team defence are as crucial as the eyes in the human body.
However, have you ever wondered how some great defenders transitioned into successful coaches, combining their knowledge and experience to achieve managerial success?
While not many great ex-footballers have been able to find their footing as coaches after their playing careers, in recent years many have defied the odds leveraging on their vast experience and understanding of the game to become world-class coaches.
Historically, the footballing world has favoured attacking players, who often moved into managerial roles and achieved significant success on the touchline.
However, in this piece will look at managers who made their names as defenders before taking on coaching roles.
1. Arsene Wenger (France)
Not many know that the legendary Arsenal coach, Arsène Wenger, also played football, but as a coach, he made a name for himself first at Nagoya, then at Monaco, and finally at Arsenal.
Although he wasn’t widely regarded as an exceptional player, he was skilled enough to play in France’s First Division and UEFA Cup.
Initially a midfielder, Wenger switched to centre-back at the age of 28, playing for Strasbourg in the French top-flight and in European competitions.
Though he wasn’t fast enough to reach the top as a defender, his technical prowess on the ball was evident.
2. Jurgen Klopp (Germany)
Liverpool’s iconic coach, Jürgen Klopp, initially started his playing career as a striker. However, he later switched to defence in his twenties, showcasing a more physical style of play.
Klopp ended his career in 2001 after playing 325 games for Mainz in Germany, leading to his decision to become a coach using his experience and knowledge of the game to tutor players.
After struggling to make progress as a player, he turned to coaching, where he built a reputation as one of the finest managers of his generation, known for his energetic, innovative and high-pressing approach.
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3. Manuel Pellegrini (Chile)
Manuel Pellegrini, nicknamed “The Engineer,” was known for being an intelligent and tactically aware defender, but surprisingly blamed himself for a goal conceded in a match putting a sombre ending to his playing days.
Though his technique on the ball may not have met South American standards, however, Pellegrini had a solid career as a one-club man with Universidad de Chile where he played 28 games for the team in a career that spanned 13 years before retiring in 1986.
As one of the veteran coaches in world football, Pellegrini has managed several top and mid-tier teams in Europe, making it to our list for his outstanding transition from defender to coach.
4. Mauricio Pochettino (Argentina)
Mauricio “Poch” Pochettino enjoyed a 17-year career as a centre-back in Argentina, Spain, and France before becoming a top-tier coach.
His no-nonsense approach to defending made him a memorable figure during the 2002 World Cup, where he played a key role in stopping England’s Michael Owen.
Pochettino made his coaching debut at Espanyol before moving on to Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and now the US national team.
5. Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
Ronald Koeman, a legendary Dutch defender, was renowned for his powerful long-range goals, defence-splitting passes, and unrivalled set-piece skills.
His contributions to Barcelona are still revered, particularly for his role in the club’s significant successes.
After retiring from football with Feyenoord, Koeman became part of the Netherlands’ coaching staff under Guus Hiddink in 1998 before receiving his first managerial job at Vitesse.
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6. Sam Allardyce (England)
Known as a “relegation specialist,” Sam Allardyce enjoyed a long playing career as a defender, spanning 19 years across England, Ireland, and the United States with Tampa Bay Rowdies.
He played for 11 clubs in total, building up valuable experience, before he became a football coach that struggling teams often run to when faced with relegation crisis.
Allardyce transitioned into management having a brief stint as the England national team coach where he became known for his pragmatic approach, often saving teams from relegation.
7. Eddie Howe (England)
Eddie Howe’s coaching journey may have been inevitable, as his playing career was marred by frequent injuries.
He had a brief spell with the England U-21 team at the 1998 Toulon Tournament, alongside notable players like Frank Lampard, but his potential was cut short by injuries.
Despite his playing career setbacks, Howe’s organizational skills and attention to detail made him one of England’s most respected managers.
8. Slaven Bilic (Croatia)
Bilic, a tough and uncompromising center-back, had a commanding presence on the field, demonstrating excellent leadership skills.
He played in Croatia and Germany but arguably reached his peak in England with West Ham, sadly, injuries cut short his playing career at Everton.
His experience in various leagues helped him transition smoothly into management, and he has managed several prominent European clubs since retiring from the game.
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9. Aitor Karanka (Spain)
Aitor Karanka, an iconic defender for Real Madrid, was revered for his penalty-taking skills and leadership.
He captained the club to many trophies, both domestically and in Europe, playing under the tutelage of Vincente del Bosque and Jupp Heynckes.
After retiring, he became part of Real Madrid’s coaching staff before moving on to manage Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, and Birmingham City drawing from the lessons he learned under great managers to form a solid foundation for his own coaching career.
Fabio Cannavaro, one of the greatest defenders of all time, made history as the first defender ever to win the Ballon d’Or.
He was renowned for his exceptional man-marking ability and his no-nonsense defensive style, which stood him out amongst his peers in his generation.
After retiring, Cannavaro took on a managerial role, first as a global brand ambassador for Al-Ahli Club in Dubai before becoming the head coach in 2013.
Under his leadership, the team won the UAE Pro League and UAE League Cup titles in his first season.
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