Managers on the Move After Euro 2008

June 25th, 2008 | by: Ian Rose |

We all know that Euro 2008 is about more than just the play on the pitch. No, this isn’t another post about hot fans. The tournament is also a veritable shopping spree for club managers, who are here scouting out their next big signing. Arsene Wenger is the most famously present, but all the other big names have representatives in the crowd. This year, though, some of the most intense scouting might be for managers, rather than by them.

Here are a few moves being made or considered by Euro 2008 managers.

Aragones to Fenerbahce (Done deal, maybe): I have to say that this is the one that surprises me most. Luis Aragones is 69 years old, and Fenerbahce would be the 10th team he has managed in his career. You could make the argument that he wants one last challenge, but after the great run in the Champions League last season, how much more does he think he can achieve with them?

Also, rather bizarrely, after Fenerbahce announced the signing of Aragones, the man himself has denied any such thing. “I don’t understand what that’s all about, I haven’t signed anything.” Hmmm.

Fatih Terim to (another big club): The Turkey coach has perhaps been the one man whose value has risen most at Euro 2008. Now that he’s out of the tournament, the bidding war begins.

Scolari to Chelsea (Done deal): The man that led Portugal to a underwhelming quarterfinal exit will get another chance to lead awesome talent to disappointing results when he takes over the Blues. Just kidding, Chelsea fans. There have already been big questions asked about the timing of the announcement, which was seen as undermining the Portuguese effort, and his comments to Cristiano Ronaldo. If he convinced arguably the world’s best player not to play against him in the Premier League, he’s already made the best strategic move in at least a year for Chelsea.

Domenech to couples counseling: Couldn’t help it.

Available, but without any obvious suitors: Roberto Donadoni (Italy)

What about the other Euro 2008 managers? Where are they going? Where should they go?