Soccer Nostalgia: Football’s Quarrels and Feuds, Part Nineteen

1- Christian Panucci and Arrigo Sacchi

In an interview with ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’ in 1994, AC Milan defender Christian Panucci stated that Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi had betrayed him. According to the player, Sacchi had promised to take him to the 1994 USA World Cup but prior to the publication of the final list, he had informed the player that he would take Mauro Tassoti for his experience and could not ignore Luigi Apolloni. When Sacchi learned of this interview, he said Panucci would not play for Italy as long he is the Manager. (Though the player did get a reprieve following the World Cup).

2- Youri Djorkaeff and Andreas Brehme

During his time at Kaiserslautern (1999-2002), French midfielder Youri Djorkaeff had a falling out with Manager Andreas Brehme (who had replaced Otto Rehhagel). In the end he was forced to leave and join Bolton Wanderers.

3- Ally McCoist and Graeme Souness

During their time at Rangers Glasgow (1986-1991), it was well known that Manager Graeme Souness and striker Ally McCoist had a difficult relationship and were often at odds with one another.

4- Tomislav Ivic and Jesus Gil, 1991

In the summer of 1991, controversial Atletico Madrid President Jesus Gil was eager to give a two-year contract extension to Manager Tomislav Ivic. However, upon hearing that Juventus had approached Ivic, Gil was angered and sacked Ivic. Ivic would join Olympique Marseille instead.