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Which Managers Have Had Success At Former Clubs?
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Which Managers Have Had Success At Former Clubs?

Which Managers Have Had Success At Former Clubs?

Earlier this week, current USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino opened the door to a possible return to his former club, Tottenham Hotspur. Pochettino revealed that he still has a good relationship with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. The Argentine was sacked by Tottenham in 2019 but is still fondly remembered by many fans. During his tenure, he turned the club into legitimate title contenders while also guiding them to their first-ever UEFA Champions League Final.

Pochettino will take charge of co-hosts USA at the 2026 World Cup, where expectations will be high. However, after his stint on the international stage, a return to North London could be on the cards.

Here, we look at managers who have had fairytale comeback stories that could excite Tottenham fans about the possibility of reuniting with Pochettino.

Jose Mourinho - Chelsea

One of the most decorated managers in the game kicks off the list. "The Special One," Jose Mourinho, first took charge of Chelsea on June 2, 2004, after winning the Champions League with Porto. The Portuguese manager signed a three-year contract with the Blues after a £1.7 million compensation package was agreed with Porto. Mourinho made an immediate impact, leading Chelsea to the League Cup by beating Liverpool 3-2 in the final just eight months after his arrival. That same season, his side won the Premier League, securing a cup double.

In his second season, Mourinho secured back-to-back Premier League titles, adding the Community Shield in pre-season. He followed this by winning the FA Cup and a second League Cup in his third season. Chelsea fans were devastated when he left in 2007, as he had transformed the club into a dominant force in English football. Under him, Chelsea set records, including the fewest goals conceded in a season. His charismatic personality, passion, and connection with players made him beloved by Stamford Bridge faithful.

Many blamed Roman Abramovich for Mourinho's departure, citing interference in transfers and an insistence on more attacking football. Protests from supporters followed, with banners reading “Mourinho – The Special One” and “Roman: You Made a Big Mistake.”

Chelsea fans, however, were reunited with Mourinho in June 2013. He famously called himself "The Happy One" upon his return. Finishing third in his first season back, Chelsea went on to win the Premier League again, finishing eight points clear of Manchester City. His side also secured another League Cup by beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the final.

His second spell started strongly, but by the 2015–16 season, Chelsea endured a terrible start, losing nine of their first 16 league games. Mourinho was sacked in December 2015, with Chelsea in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone. Despite the bitter end, many Chelsea fans still consider his second tenure a success for delivering another league title.

Carlo Ancelotti - Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti's first spell at Real Madrid saw him famously claim the club's 10th Champions League title in 2013-14, beating Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the final. They also secured the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

Madrid started the following season with 22 consecutive wins, but their form dipped in the second half. A second-place league finish, a Champions League semi-final exit to Juventus, and an early Copa del Rey exit led to Ancelotti’s sacking in May 2015.

However, he remained popular with Madrid fans and players and returned for the 2021-22 season. This time, he achieved even greater success. Madrid stormed La Liga, finishing 13 points ahead of Barcelona, and won a 14th Champions League title by beating Liverpool 1-0 in the final. They also secured the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

The following season, Madrid added another Copa del Rey, their first since 2014. The 2023-24 season was arguably Ancelotti’s best, with Madrid winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de España. In December 2024, Madrid matched their best year in history by securing five trophies, including the Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

This season, Ancelotti's side sits second in La Liga and is set to face Arsenal in the Champions League Quarter-Finals, as he aims to add to Madrid's extensive trophy haul.

Zinedine Zidane - Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane’s managerial career could not have started better. The former Madrid captain won three consecutive Champions League titles in his first three seasons in charge. His side beat Atletico Madrid (2015-16 final), Juventus (2016-17), and Liverpool (2017-18). Along the way, he also won La Liga in 2016-17 and multiple other trophies, including Supercopa de España, FIFA Club World Cups, and UEFA Super Cups.

After the 2018 Champions League victory, Zidane stepped down, citing the need for change. Less than a year later, he returned after his successors Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari struggled.

Zidane’s second spell didn’t deliver another Champions League, but he did win another La Liga title in 2019-20 and another Supercopa de España. His side also claimed another FIFA Club World Cup.

However, after finishing second to Atletico Madrid in La Liga and falling short against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, Zidane left again in May 2021, citing exhaustion and a lack of support from the club.

David Moyes - West Ham

David Moyes first arrived at West Ham in 2017 to help the club avoid relegation. He took over with the Hammers in 18th place and guided them to a 13th-place finish, securing their top-flight status with two games to spare. Despite his success, he left when his contract expired at the end of the season.

However, with West Ham struggling again, Moyes returned in early 2019. This time, he played a key role in stabilizing the club and led them to three consecutive seasons of European qualification. The highlight was winning the UEFA Conference League in 2023, with Jarrod Bowen’s dramatic winner sealing the club’s first European trophy and first piece of silverware since the 1980 FA Cup.

Moyes left West Ham at the end of the 2023–24 season, officially announcing his departure on May 6, 2024. His second spell will forever be remembered for delivering silverware and elevating the club’s status in European football.

Jupp Heynckes - Bayern Munich

Jupp Heynckes is a proven winner, both as a player and as a manager, particularly with Bayern Munich. Unlike the other managers on this list, he returned to his former club three separate times, each spell bringing silverware.

During his first stint from 1987 to 1991, he led Bayern to two Bundesliga titles. His second tenure, beginning in 2011, saw the team suffer heartbreak as they lost the Champions League final to Chelsea on home soil and finished runners-up to Borussia Dortmund in the league. However, Heynckes’ side bounced back in spectacular fashion the following season, completing a historic treble by winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League in 2013.

Despite this success, Heynckes was replaced by Pep Guardiola that summer. However, Bayern turned to him once again in 2017 when they were struggling under Carlo Ancelotti. In his final spell, Heynckes steadied the ship and secured yet another Bundesliga title before retiring at the end of the season, leaving behind a legacy of excellence at the club.

Maybe after looking over the list of managers who have been successful at clubs second time around, Tottenham fans may be hopeful for a return of Mauricio Pochettino in the near future.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Callum Gill

Writer

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