This week on Team 33, we ended up on a wild tangent where we argued about the hardest manager of them all in the physical stakes.
So we've decided to let you decide who would win a battle of the balled fists when things get heated in the technical area, starting with Round 1.
The manager who gets the most votes in each individual bout will then advance to the next round where they will be pitted against another manager until we crown a champion.
So scroll below to make your picks and Round 1 deadline is tonight just before midnight.
**If the individual polls don't appear below, then refresh the page**
Pearson vs Pulis
The Leicester manager has a size advantage but Tony Pulis has street smarts and an armoury of club shop-bought weaponry to choose from.
Chris Ramsey vs Giovanni Trapattoni
A real gap of experience here. But will Trap’s age serve as an asset or a burden against the young QPR boss. Gio certainly has a notorious reputation for dressing room bust-ups, which should be enough to see him through.
Jürgen Klopp vs Mauricio Pocchetino
Have you even seen two hipsters fight? No? Then this is the scrap for you. Klopp may be a happy-go-lucky manager but as one UEFA linesman famously found out, you don’t want to get on his bad side.
Carlo Ancelotti vs Steve Bruce
It may not be kind, but it would be accurate to bill this one as a heavyweight contest. Carlo Ancelotti has been there and seen it all during his career while Brucie bears the scars of many battles over the years.
Fabio Capello vs Alan Pardew
Pards has already gone toe-to-toe with Arsene Wenger and David Meyler but Fabio Capello is a whole different kettle of fish. Capello commands respect and would surely relish the chance to put manners on the Crystal Palace boss.
John Carver vs Alex Ferguson
If this was a meeting of managerial minds, it would be a non-contest. Despite Fergie’s advancing years, the wily old United legend would surely be a favourite for this one.
Kenny Dalglish vs Pep Guardiola
King Kenny was part of some of the most combative teams in the history of English football. The hardy Scot’s adversary here is one of the game’s great minds. Pep’s shown before that he’s not afraid to mix it up when the going gets tough. A close one.
Dick Advocaat vs Louis van Gaal
The Dutch Derby. LVG’s experience and no-nonsense attitude he regularly shows to errant journalists will see
him enter the ring as a favourite but Dick Advocaat’s coached in some of the toughest environments in all of
football.
Ronald Koeman vs Roy Hodgson
Two genial gents away from the pitch but Ronald Koeman’s command of the physical side of the game during his playing days was world renowned. Does Roy have the wherewithal to mastermind an upset?
Diego Simeone vs Roberto Martinez
Simeone was the name that sprung to mind when we looked for non-Premier League managers to take part in
this tournament. The Atletico boss is equally adept at handling Goldenballs as he is at striking fear into Spain’s
gilded duopoly.
Arsene Wenger vs Rafa Benitez
A battle of managers often ridiculed by the tabloids. Arsene’s had his fair share of altercations down through the years while Rafa showed frailties when it came to mind games. Arsene’s path to victory here is clearly to get inside Rafa’s head.
Sean Dyche vs Mark Hughes
One of the tightest battles to call in this bracket. We’d fancy Sean Dyche as a no-nonsense brawler while Mark Hughes would probably lean on his quick feet.
Tim Sherwood vs Manuel Pellegrini
Would Tim Sherwood’s win ratio escape intact against the charming Chilean? Sherwood’s agility and tenacity would probably give him the edge here.
Brendan Rodgers vs Roy Keane
Poor Brendan…
Roberto Mancini vs Jose Mourinho
Finally! A good grudge match. Mancini had quite the reputation for dirty play back in the day, while Mourinho’s teams are notoriously chippy. The Special One has seen his share of touchline stand-offs. Will that experience be all important here?
Garry Monk vs Sam Allardyce
Big Sam vs Big Garry. Sam’s a solid outside bet to go all the way here. Never write off Allardicio.
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