There have been a host of former club greats who have gone on to take charge as manager – and Goal has rounded them up
GettyKenny Dalglish – Liverpool
Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish is arguably one of the most famous and notable former player-managers in football. Dalglish, who earned a reputation as one of the most celebrated players to put on the red shirt – scoring 118 goals in 335 appearances and lifting multiple league titles and European Cups – transitioned to player-manager in 1985 following Joe Fagan’s resignation.
Here, the success continued on a monumental basis, with Dalglish winning three First Division titles, two FA Cup trophies and four FA Charity Shields. He resigned in 1991 but returned to the club as manager in 2011 following the miserable tenure of Roy Hodgson, where he guided Liverpool to a League Cup trophy in 2012.
AdvertisementGettyJohan Cruyff – Ajax & Barcelona
Considered one of the most influential figures in football history, Johan Cruyff’s lingering impact on the game is still felt today. Known for his Total Football philosophy with his Ajax side and his signature “Cruyff Turn”, the Dutchman managed both Ajax and Barcelona, two clubs he played for during his career.
After lifting the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with Ajax in 1987, Cruyff took on duties as Barcelona head coach, where was responsible for assembling the iconic “Dream Team” that went on to win the club’s first Champions League in 1992. His tactics and football doctrine had lasting effects on both Barcelona and Pep Guardiola.
Getty ImagesFrank Lampard – Chelsea
Frank Lampard was an essential cog in Jose Mourinho's celebrated Chelsea squad, earning plaudits as one of the best midfielders of his generation and winning the silverware to match. Having lifted three Premier League titles, a Champions League and four FA Cups – not to mention becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer with 211 goals in all competitions – he is a Blues legend through and through.
After calling time on his playing career in 2016 at New York City FC, Lampard had a brief stint coaching Derby County before assuming managerial duties with the Blues in 2019. He led Chelsea to a fourth-placed finish in his debut season and successfully qualified for the Champions League.
GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United
A Manchester United legend thanks to his pivotal role during the 1999 Champions League final, scoring the winning last-minute goal against Bayern Munich after coming on as a substitute, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a sacred figure to Red Devils fans.
Solskjaer took over as caretaker manager at Old Trafford in 2018 following the tumultuous reign of former manager Jose Mourinho, winning 14 of his 19 matches in charge to be appointed permanent coach. He led Manchester United to third place in the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, though failed to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages in the following campaign after placing third in the group.