Five big unemployed managers and where they'll end up | OneFootball

The January transfer window has closed but there are still plenty of big names without a place to call home.

We are, of course, talking about some of the most decorated managers in the game.

Where are they likely to end up?

Arsène Wenger

Since ending his 22 year stint at Arsenal, Wenger’s taken a refreshing break and given a fair few interviews. One thing is clear: he wants back in.

“There are enquiries from all over the world,” he said back in October. “There are associations, national teams, it could be in Japan.

“I believe that I will start again on January 1st.”

Next job? Japan

Obviously he didn’t get back on the horse in January. Maybe the Asian Cup played a part? Now that’s over, the door could be opened.

Wenger managed in Japan and has always expressed his admiration for the country. If he wants a step onto the international stage, this seems is the most logical option.

Outside bet? Milan

Working with the players every single day is something Wenger must miss and the lure of a big European club would be too good to turn down.

Could Milan be tempted to offer him the job if Gennaro Gattuso misses out on the Champions League?

Zinedine Zidane

You win three consecutive Champions League titles then walk off.

Some style.

Zidane has been enjoying plenty of down time with his family since quitting Real Madrid in the summer but he’s a competitor and he won’t be able to stay away for long.

Next job? Juventus

Another former club for Zidane? Well, why not. Plenty of ex-players, agents, journalists have said he would love to return to the Bianconeri. He’d also be reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo.

There’s one thing: Massimiliano Allegri is going nowhere. Unless, perhaps, he wins the Champions League?

Outside bet? Manchester United

One of Europe’s biggest clubs crying out for a return to former glories? This is sounding a little like his Madrid project.

Should they opt not to give the job to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer full-time, Zidane would be front-runner.

Antonio Conte

After leaving Chelsea in controversial fashion in the summer, Conte has been linked with a number of jobs but taken none of them.

Wherever he lands, it be interesting.

Next job? Inter

Luciano Spalletti is under big pressure and Conte is the favourite to replace him. It really is that straightforward.

Outside bet? Real Madrid

Conte and Madrid couldn’t find an agreement when Julen Lopetegui was sacked earlier this season.

Maybe the Spanish club’s rules will soften now Santiago Solari has failed to impress?

Julen Lopetegui

Sacked by Spain a day before the start of the World Cup for taking the Real Madrid job. Sacked by Madrid within months for disappointing results.

It’s fair to say Lopetegui’s name has been damaged.

But he does still have Spain and Real Madrid on his CV, someone has to be interested. Right?

Next job? Sevilla

Pablo Machín has done a great job at Sevilla. If anything, too good. He will be wanted elsewhere before long.

A nice opening at one of Spain’s top clubs? The perfect place for Lopetegui to start rebuilding his career.

Outside bet? Chelsea

Yes, really.

Who else are the Blues going to appoint? Mourinho again? Conte again? They won’t attract Zidane. There’s only one man for the job!

José Mourinho

The Special One circa 2004. The Insignificant One nowadays.

A treble winner with Inter, Mourinho has since endured destructive periods at Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Does anyone still believe he’s at the top of the game or will he have to take a step down?

Next job? An ex-club

Back to the Bernabéu. Don’t rule it out – Real Madrid’s woes this season could convince them to go back to Mourinho.

If they don’t, he remains revered at Inter, where Luciano Spalletti is under pressure. Or what about Chelsea…?

Outside bet? Portugal

Can’t you see it now? Portugal terribly fail to defend their European Championships crown in 2020 and Mourinho takes the reigns.

It just makes sense.