Football managers or coaches are often expected to be the wise, responsible person who leads their team in a dignified manner on and off the field. And they hold on to themselves professionally for most of the time, but when a goal goes in you simply cannot catch them. Karthik Raman takes a look at some of the wildest, craziest moments endured by coaches during the ongoing Euro 2016
With the European Championships in France well underway, the tournament has definitely not been short of entertainment. From busted balls to torn shirts, a ecstatic fan joining Croatian goal celebrations against Turkey to an intruding fan taking selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo in the pitch, the Euros has seen plenty of incidents. But, nothing had made the crowd in the stadium go wilder than seeing their managers or coaches coming up with awe-inspiring celebrations on the touchline.
No one has to go further than Antonio Conte’s wild celebrations against Spain.
Conte has been an animated presence in the touchline throughout the competition. Be it getting angry with the opponents, referees or his own players, Conte can be seen visually active throughout the game.
After earning a lecture for kicking the ball away against Spain in frustration after it had rolled out of play, Conte produced the best celebration by a man in the suits in this Euro.
As soon as Graziano Pelle scored the late goal in injury time which confirmed Italy’s place in the quarterfinal, the former Juventus manager jumped on top of the dug out in an attempt to join his celebrating Italian fans.
Neville on spotlight
Before Conte, one of England’s coaching staff Gary Neville stole the limelight with his unbelievable celebrations in the match against Wales.
Facing their fierce rivals Wales, the Three lions went behind in the first half through Gareth Bale. But, Jamie Vardy equalised for Three lions and then Daniel Sturrdige scored the winner in the injury time.
As soon as he scored, the fans and players celebrated the win like a championship title, but the most intriguing part of the celebrations was Neville’s role. The former Manchester United captain ran towards the corner flag and jumped over the celebrating players and started relishing the moment.
Coleman’s moment
Despite losing to their bitter rivals England, Wales did find some joy in the tournament.
Hal Robson-Kanu’s winner against Slovakia was meet with wilder celebrations. The Wales players ran towards the players’ dugout and celebrated with the coaches and substitute players. Among the entire crowd, one can see their manager Chris Coleman completely losing his mind. Unable to control his emotions, Coleman jumped and smashed the air before picking up Crystal Palace playmaker Jonny Williams in pure joy.
loew’s low
Germany’s coach Joachim loew did manage to come up with good touchline celebrations, however, he will remembered for that one finger sniffing incident in this Euro.
In the middle of Germany’s 2-0 win over Ukraine, loew shoved his hand into the front of his trousers and then smelled it. He also did the same at the back, with his actions triggering a variety of reactions and the clip going viral on social media.
However, he later apologized for his behavior.
But, not all managers used to join the team’s celebrations after a goal. The likes of Fernando Santos (Portugal) or Vicente Del Bosque, who quit Spain after Euro exit, often remain silent in the touchline and hardly can be seen celebrating with players or fans.
Each manager has their own style, however, the easiest and best ways to get closer to a team and its fans could be those few minutes after the goal.
Conte may not be with Italy for long, nor Neville, who has already left the post after England’s Euro embarrassment, but those cherished moments will always be in the minds of the fans.