Top 5 Managers of the Season 2011/2012
Roberto Mancini becomes the 2nd manager in the English Premier League to win mind games against Sir Alex Ferguson after Jose Mourinho’s infamous pre-match interview battles. The former Lazio assistant manager and Inter manager was bought in to Manchester in 2009 to bring glory to the hugely financially backed club . Having won the FA Cup in his first full-fight English season, Mancini guided the citizens domestic glory by winning the Premier League after 44 long years , becoming the 2nd Italian manager to win the Premier League after Carlos Ancelotti.
The suffix “Sir” is there for a reason. One of the most accomplished manager in United’s history and regarded as one of the best in the world. A genius who identifies a talent as a sniper picks out his target. His widely succesful tenure has seen an era of dominance both in England and Europe and given him a reputation of one the most admired and widely respected managers. Losing out just on goal difference shows his caliber to strive. With a squad that missed a very vital player in the form of Nemanja Vidic, and constantly plagued with injuries to important players has resulted in their loss. But surprising exits in the Champions League and the Carling Cup to underdogs Basel and Crystal Palace, is something that Sir Alex would definitely have noted down as his home work. But this is not the end for him and just a minor dent and speck of dust in their sparkly trophy cabinet.
The former Swansea player and manager who promoted the club to second-tier football after almost 24 years is nicknamed ” the come back king” and made sure that the Wigan stayed in top-tier football for three consecutive years. With a very poor performance throughout the season Wigan’s form improved dramatically as they recorded wins against Liverpool, Arsenal, United and Newcastle among others. This late rally, which involved seven wins in nine games, led to Wigan finishing 15th in the league – seven points clear of relegation – and also saw Martínez being awarded his first Manager of the Month Award for April 2012.
The Englishman who has achieved promotions 3 times in his career and won the Premier League Manager of the Season award is the reason for Newcastle’s magnificent recent displays which saw their best start in the Premier League in 17 years. He also guided them to European football for the first time after their return to first division. What made him stand out are his unique and potentially threatening transfers that make instant impact. Signings of Papiss Cisse, Yohann Cabaye, Demba Ba are the main reasons for their largely succesful season. Moreover the rejuvenation of injury plagued Hatem Ben Arfa could prove well for the man and his country as well.
The second protege of Jose Mourinho along with Andre Villas Boas, starting out as the youth team manager of Chelsea, he made sure that Swansea got promoted and kept a good and reasonable position of 11th on the table. Playing the “Tiki-Taka” style of play has made them a formidable side among the underdogs. Starting out as underdogs, they were inspired to a great campaign by the likes of Leon Briton also called the English twin of Xavi. However, Rodgers brilliant tactics and managerial performances haven’t gone unnoticed and he was recently made the Liverpool manager to apparently bring back the golden days at Anfield.
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