Ever wondered what it would be like to step into the shoes of your favorite football legends and take them from the pitch to the dugout? Well, now you can! With Player Career’s latest feature, you get to retire as a player and dive straight into the world of management.
These five legendary players might not have tried their hand at coaching yet, but with all their experience on the field, who better to take the reins? Imagine them bringing their unique style, tweaking tactics, and leading your team to victory like only they can.
Ready to see how these icons will shake things up from the sidelines? Let’s go!
1. James Milner
Retiring James Milner and using him as a manager in Career Mode would add an exciting new layer of challenge as you embrace the idea of “Brexit Football“, which focuses on signing and playing with only British players.
By adhering to this self-imposed restriction, you’ll need to adapt your tactics and squad management to suit a team made up of local talent, which could create an engaging and rewarding experience as you discover hidden gems and nurture homegrown players.
James Milner is known for his no-nonsense, hard-working attitude, which could be a key component of your Brexit Football experience in Career Mode. As a manager, you could adopt his famous “no excuses” approach, demanding maximum effort and discipline from your players, just as Milner did throughout his career.
This would not only add to the immersion of the experience but also potentially bring out the best in your players as you strive to build a squad that embodies the traits and values that made Milner such a respected player.
2. Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos has left an indelible mark on the world of football, rising from humble beginnings at Hansa Rostock to become a midfield maestro at Real Madrid. Now, with his playing days coming to an end, you have the unique opportunity to guide his next chapter as a manager in FC 24 Career Mode.
Starting at the very place it all began, you can take control of Kroos and lead Hansa Rostock from the depths of German football, replicating his meteoric rise to the top. However, to add an extra layer of challenge and distinction to your journey, instead of following in Kroos’ footsteps and joining Bayern Munich, you’ll be guiding Hansa Rostock on an underdog story for the ages.
As you rise through the ranks of German football, you’ll go head-to-head against the giants of the Bundesliga, ultimately defeating them to clinch the title and stake your claim as the new powerhouse of German football.
With Hansa Rostock transformed into a Bundesliga powerhouse under your stewardship, you’ll be ready to take on your new and final challenge that mirrors Toni Kroos’ remarkable career: winning three Champions League titles in a row with Real Madrid.
3. Mario Balotelli
Embrace your inner sh*thousery and let loose as manager Balotelli! With your unconventional methods and unapologetic personality, you’ll have no qualms with ruffling a few feathers and adopting a “win at all costs” mentality.
Your antics on the touchline will draw comparisons to the likes of José Mourinho and Diego Simeone, with a dash of Balotelli’s trademark unpredictability thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re throwing your jacket in frustration or celebrating a goal with a backflip, one thing’s for sure: there will never be a dull moment in your managerial career.
4. Marco Reus
The first to leave was Gotze, then Lewandowski, and then there was Reus, who continued to wow fans with his unwavering loyalty to Borussia Dortmund. Despite his immense loyalty and talent, Marco Reus’ career was plagued by injuries, leaving many to wonder “what could have been” had he stayed fit.
Now, with Reus announcing his departure from the club after 12 years of service, you have the opportunity to rewrite history and right the wrongs of his career as a manager.
Stepping into the dugout as manager Marco Reus, you’ll be driven by a relentless desire to make amends for the missed opportunities of your playing career. With your intimate knowledge of the club, you’ll work tirelessly to cultivate a winning mentality, instill a rock-solid team ethic, and forge a squad that embodies the Borussia Dortmund identity of fast, attacking football.
Your quest for glory won’t end at the Bundesliga. You’ll set your sights on Europe’s biggest prize, the UEFA Champions League, and use your world-class managerial skills to craft a team that can conquer the continent.
But why stop there? For Marco Reus, the 2014 World Cup remains a haunting “what if” moment, a missed opportunity to etch his name into German footballing history. As manager Reus, you have the chance to rectify that heartbreak and lead your country to the ultimate glory.
5. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva’s impeccable leadership skills, defensive mastery, and deep understanding of the beautiful game mark him as a future managerial legend in the making. His ability to inspire and command the respect of those around him, combined with his tactical knowledge and winning mentality, make him a formidable force in the dugout.
As manager Thiago Silva, you’ll have the chance to craft a legacy that transcends your playing career, guiding your team to victories and trophies that will cement your place as a true titan of footballing strategy.
