The most hated managers in football history – ranked

In football, managers often walk a tightrope – masterminds when their teams win but villains when it all goes wrong. Whether due to controversial tactics, abrasive personalities, or poor results, some managers have found themselves in the latter column more often than not. Here’s our ranking of the 15 most hated managers in football history.

Jewell’s tenure as a manager is remembered for all the wrong reasons. His spell at Derby County in the Premier League during the 2007/08 season was catastrophic, as the club recorded only one league win, one of the worst in top-flight history. Jewell’s seeming lack of accountability and dour tactics made him a figure of ridicule.

Wilder’s outspoken nature often rubbed people the wrong way, especially during Sheffield United’s dismal 2020/21 Premier League season. Known for his blunt criticism of players and officials, Wilder alienated many, with fans growing weary of his unwillingness to adapt his rigid tactics.

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Despite leading England to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final, Southgate was often out of favour with fans and pundits alike. Critics lambast his conservative style of play, especially his reluctance to utilize attacking talents fully. His penalty decision-making at Euro 2020 only fueled the narrative of a manager too cautious to succeed on the biggest stage.

Once revered as a revolutionary, Wenger’s later years at Arsenal tarnished his legacy for many. Fans grew tired of his perceived stubbornness, refusal to adapt, and lack of success in his final seasons, leading to vitriolic protests from sections of the fanbase.

"Big Sam" was once the face of "anti-football" for many purists. His defensive, long-ball tactics have drawn widespread disdain, as did his brash demeanor. Fans often accused Allardyce of being more concerned with avoiding relegation than playing interesting football, which has made him a pantomime villain for much of his career.

The legendary player-turned-manager was beloved for his on-pitch exploits but struggled to translate his magic to the bench. His chaotic spell as Argentina’s manager, including the 2010 World Cup humiliation at the hands of Germany, showcased his tactical naivety. His open feud with Juan Roman Riquelme didn't exactly endear him to fans either.

Lambert was once highly regarded as the manager of Norwich City, but things took a turn for the worst in subsequent postings at Aston Villa and Ipswich Town, where he saw his stocks reach an all-time low as he lost control of the dressing rooms and struggled to string together wins. While his later comments about Norwich City alienated his once-dedicated fan base.

Though he may be loved by Gunners fans for steering the club to their best period in over a decade, Mikel Arteta often rubs just about every other fan up the wrong way with his over-the-top sideline celebrations and win-at-all-costs mentality. 

Benitez’s appointment at Everton was a PR disaster, given his ties to rivals Liverpool. Despite his tactical nous, his strained relationship with fans and public feuds with players have left a sour taste, to say the least. Police even had to investigate as Everton fans reportedly sent death threats to the new manager's house, as the Daily Mail reported.

With stints at Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, Pulis epitomized a no-frills style of football that often drew ire from fans and pundits alike. His rigid, defensive systems and lack of attacking creativity frustrated his own team's fans, while his personality did little to endear him to anybody else.

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Dubbed the "worst manager in Premier League history" by José Mourinho (more on him later) after an ill-fated stint at Crystal Palace, per the Guardian, where he lost all four games without scoring a single goal, de Boer became a punchline. His struggles at Inter Milan and Atlanta United only compounded his reputation as an underwhelming tactician.

Guardiola, one of football’s most successful managers, paradoxically attracts hatred. Fans have come to resent Guardiola's success at Manchester City in light of numerous Financial Fair Play breaches, while pundits have become frustrated with his use of dull positional football, which has since become the standard in European football on the back of City's dynasty.

Neil Warnock was old school in every sense of the term. Not only did he have an aggressive coaching style that often put him at odds with his players, but his long ball tactics were out of date long before he retired from the game. While he was known for getting good short-term results, it often came at the detriment of the dressing room long term. 

The "Special One" is a divisive figure like no other. While adored by his fans, his combative nature, defensive tactics, and public spats with players, referees, and the media have made him a villain to many. Mourinho seems to relish the drama, though, which only amplifies the hate he attracts.

Pardew tops this list for his unmatched ability to incite disdain. Whether it’s his infamous touchline dance during the 2016 FA Cup final, his unapologetic arrogance, or his poor results in crucial moments, Pardew has perfected the art of being loathed.

While not making the top 15, figures like David Moyes, Steve Bruce, Louis van Gaal and most recently Erik ten Hag were definitely in the running. Who do you think deserves a place in this list?

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