The player-manager bond is one of the most interesting aspects of football as there have been many instances in history where a player had reunited with his beloved manager no matter how long they had to switch clubs. Here are the six footballers who have worked with a manager multiple times.
James Rodriguez and Carlo Ancelotti
James Rodriguez and Carlo Ancelotti shared a great relationship like a few others. The Colombian was signed by Real Madrid during Ancelotti’s reign, however his downfall started after the Italian manager left the Spanish capital club. Then both had a brief reunion at Bayern Munich when the Colombian joined the German champions on a temporary loan spell. Ancelotti once again recruited James for Everton last year but the Italian shocking left the Toffees in the recent summer transfer window when an offer from his from club Real Madrid came knocking at his door.
Gonzalo Higuain and Maurizio Sarri
Higuain established himself as one of the best strikers during his time at Napoli, and thanks to mastermind Maurizio Sarri who managed to get the best out of the Argentine. Higuain endured a torrid time post his Napoli spell but Sarri offered him an escape route when he was serving as the manager for Premier League giants Chelsea. The Londoners signed the Argentine on loan for the final of the 2018/19 season. However, he returned to his parent club Juventus at the end of the season while Sarri also parted ways with the Blues after just one season. Higuain is currently plying his trade at MLS club Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham.
Salomon Rondon and Rafa Benitez
Salomon Rondon joined Newcastle United on loan for the 2018/19 season when Rafa Benitez was in charge and as it turned out he was eventually named the Magpies player of the year. He later joined hands with the Spanish boss at the Chinese club Dalian Professional. Benitez, whois s currently in charge of Everton, made the Venezuelan striker his deadline day signing in the recently concluded summer transfer window.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho’s peak years dates back to the last decade and his two-year spell (2008 -2010) at Inter Milan was something special as he led them to back to back Serie A titles and a Champions League trophy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in red hot form for Nerazzurri during that time and perhaps under Mourinho, the Swede became the Serie A’s top scorer in the 2008/09 season. The Portuguese made Zlatan a marquee signing in 2016 when he was managing Manchester United. The duo joined hands to win a FA Cup, Europa League and Community Shield for the Red Devils.
Jorginho and Maurizio Sarri
Like Higuain, Sarri’s relationship with Italian midfielder Jorginho was also great. His tantalising Napoli side – which also left Pep Guardiola in awe – consisted of several top talents but Jorginho was the key. As soon as Sarri became the manager of Chelsea, his first transfer request was to sign Jorginho and the Blues fulfilled it. Although the current Lazio manager might have left Stamford Bridge after one season, the Blues should thank him for recruiting Jorginho, who is currently one of the best midfielders in the world. Sarri tried to recruit the 30-year-old during his brief spell at Juventus but was to no avail. The Italian boss still holds his former protege in high regard.
Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Mourinho
Mourinho’s name appears for the second time on the list but this time with a different player, Ricardo Carvalho. Carvalho was an integral part of the Porto side that had his best years under Mourinho. The Portuguese centre-back later followed Mourinho to Chelsea and Real Madrid and the duo managed to win a handful of trophies.
