There is a perception from the outside world that footballers are an unintelligent bunch. This may or may not be true but to become an international manager there is no doubt you have to be an intelligent individual.
Perhaps an understanding of geography is not essential though as some of these quotes demonstrate.
“Playing with wingers is more effective against European sides like Brazil than English sides like Wales.”
Ron Greenwood
“Maine Road was a great football stadium but as time moved on it stayed where it is…”
Kevin Keegan
“Home advantage gives you an advantage.”
Bobby Robson
“I think everyone in the stadium went home happy, except all those people in Romania.”
Ron Greenwood
“I’ll never play at Wembley again, unless I play at Wembley again.”
Kevin Keegan
“The FA Cup is still domestically the best cup in the world.”
Glenn Hoddle
“Not many teams will come to Arsenal and get anything, home or away.”
Kevin Keegan
“Hungary is very similar to Bulgaria. I know they’re different countries…”
Kevin Keegan
“Argentina won’t be at Euro 2000 because they’re from South America.”
Kevin Keegan
“He can’t speak Turkey, but you can tell he’s delighted.”
Kevin Keegan
“Everyone’s got tough games coming up. Manchester United have got Arsenal, Arsenal have got Manchester United and Leeds have got Leeds.”
Bobby Robson
“I came to Nantes two years ago and it’s much the same today, except that it’s totally different.”
Kevin Keegan
“You’re not just getting international football, you’re getting world football.”
Kevin Keegan
England managers on referees and the rules
England managers on tactics
England managers on the anatomy
England managers wise words to inspire their players
England managers getting their clichés confused
England managers knowledge of Geography
England managers knowledge of Maths
England managers on their players
England managers thinking unclearly