Throughout history, the big characters in the game have entertained and amused us with their observations and opinions. From Brian Clough to Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan to Gazza, the big names are never short of something to say.
Football managers live with the weight of thousands of fans on their shoulders and it all gets too much for some. Moments after the crushing blow of a devastating defeat is often when they are most vulnerable.
The media are well versed in shoving a microphone into the faces of managers when they are at their lowest ebb. All in the hope of securing a quote to sell newspapers. Of course the managers do sometimes end up saying something they will later regret. Here is a selection of our favourite quotes from men in ‘the biggest job in football’ – managing the England team.
“Where do you get an experienced player like him with a left foot and a head?”
Bobby Robson
“You’ve beaten them once. Now go out and bloody beat them again.”
Alf Ramsey, talk to England before extra time of the 1966 World Cup Final
“Playing with wingers is more effective against European sides like Brazil than English sides like Wales.”
Ron Greenwood
“The ref was vertically 15 yards away.”
Kevin Keegan
“If you can’t outplay the opposition, you must outnumber them.”
Terry Venables
The England hotseat has proven too much for many men over the years. Read through some of the hilarious quotes we have gathered from England managers.
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