The 5 Funniest Soundbites from Premier League Managers

The Premier League has always been a stage not just for footballing brilliance but also for some of the most memorable, witty, and downright hilarious statements from its managers. These moments of humour often come during press conferences, post-match interviews, or even in the heat of the game.

From iconic managers to the lesser-known, the Prem has seen it all. Let’s dive into five of the funniest statements made by EPL managers that left fans and pundits alike in stitches.

Kevin Keegan’s Famous Outburst: “I would love it if we beat them!”

Date: April 29, 1996  

Manager: Kevin Keegan  

Club: Newcastle United

Kevin Keegan’s passionate and somewhat desperate plea during the 1995-96 Premier League season remains one of the most iconic moments in football history. The context? Keegan’s Newcastle United had been leading the league for much of the season, but Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, had closed the gap dramatically.

In a televised interview after a match against Leeds United, Keegan responded to Ferguson’s mind games with an emotional rant: “I’ve kept really quiet, but I’ll tell you something, he went down in my estimation when he said that. We have not resorted to that. But I’ll tell you, you can tell him now if you’re watching it, we’re still fighting for this title. And I’ll tell you honestly, I would love it if we beat them. Love it!”

Keegan’s outburst was both hilarious and heart-wrenching. The passion in his voice and the repeated “love it” made it an instant hit, not just among Newcastle fans, but across the footballing world. The moment was so iconic that it has since been immortalised in various forms of media, from memes to TV show parodies. Unfortunately for Keegan, Newcastle did not win the title, but his outburst remains legendary.

José Mourinho: “I think I’m a special one.”

Date: June 2, 2004  

Manager: José Mourinho  

Club: Chelsea

José Mourinho is known for his sharp wit and ability to command the attention of any room. However, it was his introduction to the English media that truly set the tone for his career in the Premier League. Fresh off a Champions League victory with FC Porto, Mourinho took the reins at Chelsea in 2004. In his first press conference, he confidently declared, “Please don’t call me arrogant, but I’m European champion and I think I’m a special one.”

The phrase “The Special One” stuck with Mourinho throughout his career and became a symbol of his confidence and unique style. His self-assurance was as entertaining as it was audacious, and it set the stage for one of the most successful managerial careers in Premier League history. Mourinho’s quote has since become one of the most famous in football, reflecting his larger-than-life personality and his ability to create headlines effortlessly.

Ian Holloway: “I couldn’t be more chuffed if I were a badger at the start of the mating season.”

Date: October 21, 2009  

Manager: Ian Holloway  

Club: Blackpool (during Championship days, but later in Premier League)

Ian Holloway is a manager known for his colourful analogies and off-the-wall comments. His time at Blackpool, particularly during their rise to the Premier League, was marked by a series of humorous and memorable quotes. One of his most famous came after Blackpool’s victory over Wigan Athletic in 2009 when he said, “I couldn’t be more chuffed if I were a badger at the start of the mating season.”

Holloway’s comparisons often left listeners scratching their heads but laughing nonetheless. His unique way of expressing joy or frustration became a hallmark of his press conferences. While Blackpool’s stay in the Premier League was brief, Holloway’s quirky personality ensured that their time in the top flight was memorable.

Sir Alex Ferguson: “Football, bloody hell!”

Date: May 26, 1999  

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson  

Club: Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson is not only one of the most successful managers in football history, but he also delivered one of the most iconic and succinct post-match reactions of all time. After Manchester United’s dramatic comeback to win the UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999, Ferguson famously quipped, “Football, bloody hell!”

Though not a Premier League match, this quote encapsulates the unpredictability and emotion of football that Ferguson experienced countless times in the Premier League. The simplicity of the statement, coupled with the sheer relief and astonishment in Ferguson’s voice, made it instantly memorable. It’s a phrase that has been used repeatedly to describe the emotional rollercoaster that is football, particularly in the Premier League.

Harry Redknapp: “My missus could have scored that one.”

Date: November 19, 1994  

Manager: Harry Redknapp  

Club: West Ham United

Harry Redknapp, known for his straightforward and often humorous approach, provided one of the funniest post-match assessments after a match between West Ham and Manchester United in 1994. When asked about a missed opportunity by one of his players, Redknapp didn’t hold back: “My missus could have scored that one.”

Redknapp’s ability to use humour to convey his frustration or make light of a situation endeared him to fans and players alike. His down-to-earth persona and quick wit have produced many memorable quotes over the years, but this particular one stands out for its sheer cheekiness. Redknapp’s wife, Sandra, even became something of a minor celebrity after the quote, as fans and pundits jokingly compared her “finishing ability” to that of West Ham’s strikers at the time.

Conclusion

The Premier League is a rich tapestry of drama, skill, and emotion, but it is also a league that never takes itself too seriously. The humour provided by these managers offers a refreshing counterbalance to the high stakes of professional football. Whether it’s Kevin Keegan’s passionate rant, Mourinho’s self-anointed title, or Ian Holloway’s bizarre analogies, these moments remind us that football, at its heart, is about entertainment.

These quotes have become part of the fabric of the Premier League, showcasing the wit, personality, and sometimes the sheer absurdity that make the league the most-watched and beloved football competition in the world. As long as there are Premier League managers with something to say, we can be sure that there will be more moments of laughter and levity to come.