From glory to goodbye — how even silverware couldn’t save these top managers from the sack.
These days, even a shiny trophy doesn’t guarantee job security. That old-school “win at all costs” mantra is fading. Now it’s about long-term vision—style, sustainability, consistency. Here are seven managers who delivered silverware… and still got sacked.
1. Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur FC Official Website
After a triumphant run at Celtic, where he secured the Scottish Premiership title in 2022/23, Ange Postecoglou took charge of Tottenham for the 2023/24 season. Early signs were promising—Spurs played exciting football, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.
But the 2024/25 season was a disaster. Spurs earned just 38 points, their worst-ever Premier League tally, and suffered humiliating cup exits. Fan tensions boiled over after a March defeat to Chelsea. Yet, just when it looked like all was lost, Postecoglou delivered a stunning Europa League final win over Manchester United, ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
Even that historic win couldn’t save him—Postecoglou was shown the door shortly after.
2. Laurent Blanc – Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain Official Website
When Laurent Blanc took over PSG in 2013, the pressure was enormous. Backed by Qatari wealth and lofty ambitions, Blanc won a domestic treble in his debut season, and followed that up with two more Ligue 1 titles.
But despite dominating French football, he couldn’t crack Europe. Champions League exits proved costly, and in 2016—even after winning a domestic treble—PSG cut ties with their successful boss. Style and European pedigree mattered more than local dominance.
3. Vicente del Bosque – Real Madrid
Real Madrid CF Official Website
Under Del Bosque, Madrid were a machine: Champions League wins in 2000 and 2002, La Liga titles in 2001 and 2003. He managed Galácticos with calm authority.
And yet, just a day after winning La Liga in 2003, Real Madrid let him go. The decision shocked fans and led to years of instability. It was a ruthless reminder that even sustained success can be dismissed in pursuit of a “fresher image.”
4. Fabio Capello – Real Madrid
Real Madrid CF Official Website
Capello has been sacked twice by Real Madrid after winning La Liga. The first time was in 1997, and the second came after returning in 2006–07 to end a trophy drought.
His rigid tactics clashed with the club’s demand for flair. Despite winning the title, his friction with stars like Beckham and Ronaldo led to a familiar fate: trophy in one hand, P45 in the other.
5. Louis van Gaal – Manchester United
Manchester United FC Official Website
Van Gaal’s United tenure ended with a 2016 FA Cup triumph, but fans had long grown weary of the team’s dull, possession-heavy style. A dismal mid-season run sealed his fate.
Even with silverware, the club had already lined up José Mourinho to take over. The trophy didn’t buy time—it bought a dignified exit.
6. Antonio Conte – Chelsea
Conte’s 2016–17 debut season was a masterclass—Premier League champions with a record-breaking run. But by the following year, things soured. The same tactics became stale, and Chelsea slipped to fifth.
Even an FA Cup win over Manchester United couldn’t save him. Conte was sacked that summer, replaced by Maurizio Sarri.
7. Maurizio Sarri – Juventus
Sarri arrived at Juve in 2019 with his trademark “Sarriball.” It didn’t always gel with the squad, but he still led them to a ninth straight Serie A title.
However, a limp Champions League exit to Lyon proved fatal. In August 2020, just weeks after lifting the Scudetto, Sarri was dismissed.
Final Whistle
Trophies used to be the ultimate insurance policy for managers. Not anymore. Today’s football world is built on project thinking, long-term identity, and commercial image. A single cup or title isn’t enough when the boardroom wants evolution, not just celebration.
So, next time a manager lifts a trophy, don’t be too sure they’ll still be around to defend it.
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