Football is not just a player’s game — it’s a tactician’s battlefield too. Behind every victory, formation, and press conference, there's a manager carrying the weight of a club's dreams. The 2024/25 season is shaping up to be a turning point, with several iconic managers either stepping away for good or hinting at it.
So, who’s calling it a day? Let’s explore the big names leaving the dugout this season.
Factors Influencing Retirement of Football Managers
Age and Health
Just like players, managers have their physical limits. Years on the touchline can wear you down mentally and physically, especially when you're over 70.
Burnout and Stress
Imagine handling press drama, boardroom politics, and player egos 24/7. Exhausting, right? Many veteran managers are simply burned out.
Desire to Spend More Time with Family
The job demands endless travel and long hours. Some managers want to finally enjoy family life after decades in football.
Changing Dynamics of Modern Football
Football is evolving fast — high-tech analytics, intense fan scrutiny, and social media pressure. Not all managers are up for the new-age hustle.
Confirmed Retirements for the 2024/25 Season
Roy Hodgson
At 76, Roy Hodgson has finally closed the curtain on a career spanning over 45 years. His final stints at Crystal Palace and Watford showcased his old-school wisdom, but age and health played their part in his decision.
Mircea Lucescu
The Romanian mastermind, with legendary runs at Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv, has stepped away from management. After recent health issues and ongoing regional tensions, Lucescu confirmed that 2024/25 was his last dance.
Neil Warnock
The EFL journeyman has managed more than a dozen clubs, and in 2024 he announced that his days on the sidelines are over. Loved for his fiery attitude and passion, Warnock is now content watching games from the sofa.
Likely Candidates for Retirement
Claudio Ranieri
After returning to Cagliari to stabilize the team, Ranieri hinted that this season might be his swan song. At 72, the "Tinkerman" seems ready for life beyond football, even if he hasn’t made it official yet.
Dick Advocaat
The Dutch veteran has taken multiple short-term gigs, suggesting he’s easing into retirement. At 76, the chances of seeing Advocaat in a full-season role again are slim.
Arsène Wenger (If Called Back)
Though not managing actively, Wenger's name pops up every now and then in rumor mills. But he’s said he’s happy in his FIFA role and won’t return to club management — making his retirement unofficially permanent.
Managers Hinting at Stepping Down
Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid’s boss has stated that he’s likely to coach the Brazilian national team next. That role might mark his final chapter in active management, given his age and legacy.
Jürgen Klopp
Klopp shocked the footballing world when he announced he’d leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season. He cited burnout and the need for rest, but didn’t completely rule out a return in the future.
Rising Trend of Managerial Retirements
Why the Modern Game is More Demanding
The modern manager isn’t just a tactician — he’s also a psychologist, PR expert, and sometimes even a politician. It's a high-pressure role with minimal breathing room.
Age of Managers vs Players
While footballers retire by 35, many managers keep going into their 70s. But even that’s changing as clubs seek younger, data-driven coaches.
Transition and Legacy
What Happens After Retirement?
Some take up punditry gigs (like Mourinho or Wenger), others join advisory boards, and a few just want to fish and golf.
Legacy Left Behind
Think about the culture Klopp built at Liverpool, or the dynasty Ancelotti crafted across Europe. These aren’t just managers — they’re architects of football history.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 season is more than just another campaign; it’s the farewell tour of some of football’s most iconic minds. While the new generation of tacticians prepares to take the stage, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to legends who’ve shaped the beautiful game from the sidelines. Their tactics, quotes, and unforgettable moments will live on — even if they won’t be pacing the dugout anymore.
About
Who is the oldest manager retiring this season?
Roy Hodgson, at 76, is one of the oldest confirmed retirements in 2024/25.
Are any young managers retiring?
Not at the moment. Most retirements this season involve managers aged 70 and above.
Will Klopp come back after a break?
There’s a strong chance. Klopp said he’s not retiring permanently, just taking a break for now.
Which club will be most affected?
Liverpool will undergo a major transformation after Klopp’s departure — both in style and morale.
What’s next for managers like Ancelotti?
He’s expected to take the Brazil national team job, which could be his final coaching role.