The Pirlo Problem and Five Other Times Managers Didn’t Even Get to Start Their New Jobs

The Pirlo Problem and Five Other Times Managers Didn’t Even Get to Start Their New Jobs

Last week it was all but confirmed that Andrea Pirlo would be taking over as the new head coach for the Italian national side. However, the midfield icon did not manage to get his hands on the role due to some controversy that appeared just before he signed on the dotted line for the FIGC.

At the weekend, many Italian politicians disagreed with the choice to hire Pirlo as head coach for the nation as he had previously taken up a role as ambassador for Russian company Fonbet last October. Pirlo had been involved with many events put on by Fonbet which included events that involved veterans from the war in Ukraine and also pro-Kremlin figures.

🚨🔵 BREAKING: Roberto Mancini has agreed to become new Italy head coach, here we go! 🇮🇹

New project set to start after president Malagò stopped Pirlo deal at signatures due to his collaboration with Russian brands.

Mancini, back soon. 🔙 pic.twitter.com/mxB4F7s3K0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2026

It seems very understandable as to why Pirlo was not given the role in the end, however many other managers have been in similar situations in the past. So let’s take a look at the reason behind some of these.

The Pirlo Problem and Five Other Times Managers Didn’t Even Get to Start Their New Jobs

Marcelo Bielsa (Lazio)

Back in 2016, former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa only lasted two days as manager of Serie A side Lazio. Very soon after arriving in the capital, Bielsa was unhappy that the club failed to follow through with their promises and didn’t manage to sign any of his main transfer targets. This led to him resigning from his role despite the legal action that was pursued by the club soon after.

Gennaro Gattuso (Fiorentina)

Once again this is another similar situation that has taken place over in Italy but this time it happened at Fiorentina with Gennaro Gattuso back in 2021. Gattuso took over ahead of the upcoming 2021/22 campaign, however he didn’t manage to make it to the start of the season. His contract was mutually terminated after 23 days in charge as a result of a breakdown in relationship between him and the club. This breakdown occurred due to a disagreement in transfer strategies and his agent, Jorge Mendes, being heavily involved.

Leroy Rosenior (Torquay United)

This appointment has gone down in history as it was reported that Leroy Rosenior was in charge at Torquay United for just ten minutes. The chairman Mike Bateson sold 51% of the club to a consortium minutes after Rosenior signed the papers. The consortium decided to relieve Rosenior of his duties and hire a manager of their own as their first big decision at the club. Not ideal for Rosenior!

Billy McKinlay (Watford)

Billy McKinlay was given the caretaker role at Watford in September 2014, following the departure of Oscar Garcia. However, despite being given two games in charge of the Hornets, McKinlay was not to be officially given the opportunity due to a late change of heart from club owner Giampaolo Pozzo. Pozzo offered McKinlay his assistant role back after the appointment of Slavisa Jokanovic was announced, but McKinlay turned down the opportunity.

Luigi Del Neri (FC Porto)

In 2004, European Champions, yes that’s right, Porto decided to appoint Luigi Del Neri following the departure of Jose Mourinho to Premier League side Chelsea. However, Del Neri failed to ever manage a game for the Portuguese side as he was sacked after 36 days in charge. The hierarchy at the club were unhappy with the time away from the club that Del Neri was taking. In the club statement they announced that it was a mutual termination due to ‘personal reasons.’