The managers : football's greatest managers

In May 2013, arguably the finest football manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, retired after a remarkable career that spanned four decades and delivered 49 major trophies.

The formidable former Manchester United manager returned the Red Devils to the top of European football, created a succession of great teams and broke countless records to ensure his billing as one of the greats.

But is he the greatest? From the philosophic 'total football' coaching methods of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff; to the expansive ultra-attacking, yet disciplined, models instilled by Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola; the uncompromising 'catenaccio' defensive styles of Helenio Herrera; to the team-building expertise of Arrigo Sacchi, many of the greatest managers to have lived are showcased, scrutinised and celebrated in this book.