When you're in the high pressure environment of top level sport, emotions are going to run high. Whether a manager who is on the verge of losing his job or a player who could've just been involved with a controversial moment on the pitch, the media are going to get the brunt of the feelings.
Lisandro Martinez knows that all too well having gone scorched earth after Manchester United's defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in October 2026. The Argentine defender put the club's ownership on blast and consequently receieved a fine for his angry post-match interview.
With that said, here are the top 10 most angry and explosive interviews in football history. This includes frustrated players and managers who reached boiling point.
10. Harry Redknapp: "I'm Not a Wheeler and Dealer" (2010)
Harry Redknapp is known as a straight talking every man in the football world but when his buttons are pressed he can switch. When a Sky Sports reporter casually referred to him as a "wheeler and dealer" in the transfer market, Redknapp’s demeanor instantly snapped.
At Tottenham Hotspur at the time, he aggressively told the reporter, "No, I'm not a wheeler and dealer, f*** off," before storming off the set in disgust. He was clearly sensitive when his credentials were questioned at the top level.
9. Nigel Pearson: "You Are an Ostrich" (2015)
One of the most strange comments made by a manager towards the media, Nigel Pearson didn't filter himself when debating with this journalist. After Leicester City suffered a defeat, he unleashed a furious, condescending rant.
Pearson called the reporter an "ostrich" who had his "head in the sand." The way he said something so silly while looking so serious made this even more intense.
8. Roy Hodgson: "Are You Taking the P-SS" (2012)
Roy Hodgson is known as one of the most well spoken laid back managers in English football but even he can break from time to time. The former England manager was at West Bromwich Albion at the time and was asked if his team should've had a penalty.
Hodgson aggressively snapped back: "What do you mean 'did we deserve a penalty'? It was a blatant penalty! Are you taking the p-ss?!" Even the calmest older statesman can reach their wits end when asked a silly question.
7. Joe Kinnear: The 52-Swear-Word Rant (2008)
When Joe Kinnear took over at Newcastle United, his relationship with the local press became frosty to say the least. In his introductory press conference, he decided to let loose on every one in room.
Kinnear unleashed a tirade containing 52 swear words in the span of five minutes, aggressively singling out specific journalists by name and calling them liars. It remains the biggest dressing down in British football media history.
6. Charlie Austin: "It's a Joke!" (2018)
It's not just managers who can kick off after a match hasn't gone their way. Even PR training isn't enough to hold back players after feeling robbed of a result. After Southampton had a perfectly legal goal ruled out for offside in a 1-1 draw with Watford, Charlie Austin then let the interviewer have it on the refs.
Going on to calling the officials a "joke" and demanding the immediate introduction of VAR. You wouldn't think that in this era that there was a time where VAR was begging to be used.
5. José Mourinho: "Respect, Respect, Respect" (2018)
José Mourinho is never shy with his opinions and uses the media to push his own agendas. A close battle between this and "if I speak I'm in trouble", this one is the more passionate.
Comparing his squad at Manchester United to rivals Manchester City, he spoke about winning "heritage" between the teams. Then he went on to list his achievements and held up three fingers, representing his three Premier League titles.
"I won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together," before repeating "Respect, respect, respect" as he stormed out of the room.
4. Giovanni Trapattoni: "Strunz!" (1998)
A legendary moment in German football history, the legendary Italian manager was so furious with the attitude and performance of his Bayern Munich players that he delivered a completely unhinged three-and-a-half-minute rant in broken German.
Giovanni Trapattoni infamously singled out midfielder Thomas Strunz, screaming his name with visceral aggression. He signed off with "I have finished!".
3. Roy Keane: "Whose Phone is That?"
As a manager, Roy Keane never lost the fire which made him one of the best captains in Premier League history. One of his most iconic and intimidating moments came during an Ipswich Town press conference when a journalist's phone went off.
Keane’s dead-eyed stare and furious dressing-down of the reporter: "Whose phone is that? Let it ring". The Irishman never raises his voice that often but his slow quiet tone could terrify any man.
2. Gennaro Gattuso: "Sometimes Maybe Good..." (2014)
While managing OFI Crete in Greece, the passionate Italian completely lost his mind in a press conference. Furious with reports that he was unhappy and preparing to leave, Gennaro Gattuso slammed his fists on the table and delivered an incredibly aggressive, expletive-laden rant in broken English.
The AC Milan legend's meme is still used to this day. "Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe s***," sums up sport pretty well.
1. Kevin Keegan: "I Will Love It!" (1996)
The most famous video of an English football manager losing their head inevitably takes top spot on this list. Kevin Keegan had propelled Newcastle into a title race with Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
At one point of the season the Magpies were 12 points clear at the top of the table and were now chasing Ferguson's men for the title. Wearing a massive pair of headphones, Keegan completely snapped live on Sky Sports, reacting to comments made by his managerial rival.
Pointing aggressively into the camera, ,he delivered the iconic line: "I will love it if we beat them! Love it!" It remains the most famous quote from any British manager and shows how mind games can decide who wins and who loses.
