The greatest managerial rivalries in football history

Football managers often leave conflict and collisions to players on the pitch but occasionally those on the touchline are drawn into their own battles.

Over the years, some legendary rivalries have been born and served up entertainment for fans.

Read on as we revisit five classic grudges between some of the sport's iconic faces.

5. Sir Alex Ferguson vs Kevin Keegan

The 1990s was a new era for football as the Premier League was born and with it came the iconic rivalry between Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan and legendary Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson.

In 1996, the Magpies looked nailed on to win their first title but crumbled under the pressure, blowing a 12-point lead and losing a crucial match to rivals United during the run-in.

The capitulation saw Keegan crack in front of the media, delivering the famous line: "I will love it if we beat them [Man Utd]! Love it."

But it would be Ferguson's Red Devils who would triumph in the end.

4. Arsene Wenger vs Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho will always be box office entertainment and his regular clashes with Arsene Wenger live long in the memory.

In 2014, the Special One squared up to the Arsenal boss in the technical area at Stamford Bridge and there was no mistaking the hatred between both men.

Despite his longevity in the Premier League, Wenger rarely got the upper hand against Mourinho, beating him only once in 15 meetings in the English top flight.

3. Pep Guardiola vs Jose Mourinho

Unsurprisingly, Mourinho features more than once on our list and this time it is for his incredible rivalry with Pep Guardiola.

During his time at Inter Milan, the Portuguese tactician scored a notable win against Pep's Barcelona in their 2009-10 Champions League semi-final but it was their El Clasico duels that really built the pair's reputation.

As against most of his opponents, Guardiola has more wins than losses when facing Mourinho.

But ex-Man Utd and Tottenham boss Mou has notched a respectable seven successes against Pep and is undoubtedly one of the Catalan's more formidable foes — only Jurgen Klopp has recorded more.

2. Jurgen Klopp vs Pep Guardiola

Klopp's rivalry with Guardiola has never boiled over and there is a clear respect between two of the greatest managers in the world.

Whereas other battles on our list have stemmed from bad blood, this one has grown from two sides that have dominated English football in the last decade.

Sadly, their chapter will finish when Klopp leaves Liverpool at the end of the season and the German boss can walk away with 12 wins against Pep compared to the current Manchester City boss' 11 — with a potential FA Cup clash still to come.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson vs Arsene Wenger

Their rivalries with other managers in the Premier League are notable but the duels between Ferguson and Wenger will be hard to top in the future.

Across 49 meetings, the former scored 23 wins with United while the latter tasted victory 16 times in charge of Arsenal and both produced some iconic moments along the way.

At the height of their feud, Wenger refused to shake Ferguson's hand and reports suggested he believed the Premier League favoured the Red Devils when it came to organising fixtures.

But years after their retirement, the pair have finally put their differences aside and appear on good terms as they watch from the stands.