Managers often find themselves in the hot seat during post-match interviews, especially when poor refereeing decisions have a significant impact on the outcome of a match. How managers respond to these situations can range from measured frustration to outright criticism. Their comments can be a reflection of their passion for the game, their desire to protect their players, or a tactical move to rally their teams and fans. Here’s how some well-known managers have responded to poor refereeing decisions in interviews:

1. José Mourinho

• Response Style: Mourinho is well-known for his fiery, outspoken nature, especially when it comes to refereeing decisions. He often uses his platform to express his frustration, sometimes even making pointed remarks that suggest bias or incompetence.
• Notable Moment: After a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in 2005, Mourinho famously criticized the referee, pointing out a series of contentious decisions that, in his opinion, led to Manchester United’s victory. He infamously said, “I think the referee was a disgrace.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Mourinho’s outspoken comments frequently draw attention, as he’s known for speaking his mind about refereeing, even if it means facing fines or sanctions. His comments often aim to shift the blame away from his own team’s performance and onto the referee’s decisions.

2. Jürgen Klopp

• Response Style: Klopp, while passionate, usually tries to keep his criticism constructive but direct. He has often been frustrated with refereeing decisions, particularly when they seem to go against his team unfairly. However, Klopp also has the ability to remain diplomatic when discussing decisions, although his body language often reveals his true feelings.
• Notable Moment: After a controversial penalty decision in Liverpool’s match against Everton in 2018, Klopp said, “I’m not saying anything about the referee. I don’t want to be fined. But it was obvious. It’s obvious to everyone. It’s the situation.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Klopp’s comments were measured, but his indirect criticism of the officials still sparked debate. He often suggests that refereeing mistakes are part of the game, but when they affect the result, he feels it’s important to bring them up.

3. Pep Guardiola

• Response Style: Guardiola is generally a composed figure in interviews but can be sharp when discussing controversial refereeing decisions. He tends to focus on the broader impact of refereeing mistakes rather than singling out individual officials.
• Notable Moment: After a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in 2019, Guardiola was visibly frustrated after a series of controversial decisions, particularly a disallowed goal for Manchester City. He said, “I am a little bit disappointed. The referee has to explain himself. It’s not possible.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Guardiola’s comments were clear and forceful, suggesting a need for greater accountability from referees. While usually careful with his words, Guardiola’s frustration was palpable as he questioned the quality of refereeing decisions that directly impacted his team’s performance.

4. Sir Alex Ferguson

• Response Style: Sir Alex Ferguson was notorious for his fiery reactions to poor refereeing decisions. Often quick to criticize officials, Ferguson would point out any mistakes that he felt influenced the result, sometimes going so far as to accuse referees of being biased.
• Notable Moment: After a 1998 match against Arsenal, Ferguson famously commented on a controversial decision that led to a penalty for Arsenal. He said, “That was a disgraceful decision. The referee was absolutely shocking.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Ferguson’s criticism was often blunt and forceful. His comments were so frequent and intense that he was known for being banned from the touchline for several games due to his post-match behavior. His willingness to challenge referees made him a figure who wasn’t afraid to publicly call out mistakes.

5. Antonio Conte

• Response Style: Conte is a passionate, sometimes volatile manager when it comes to refereeing decisions. Known for his intense demeanor, he rarely holds back when he believes the officials have made mistakes that harm his team’s chances.
• Notable Moment: After a 1-0 loss to Burnley in 2017, Conte spoke vehemently about a controversial penalty decision that went against Chelsea, saying, “It’s very difficult to accept this type of situation. I don’t understand the decision. It’s a mistake. A clear mistake.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Conte’s fiery responses often go beyond mere criticism. He directly addresses the perceived incompetence of referees, sometimes leading to fines or suspensions. His passionate defense of his team and his anger toward perceived injustices can be polarizing.

6. David Moyes

• Response Style: David Moyes is typically a more reserved manager, but he can get frustrated with refereeing decisions when they affect his team. While he tends to avoid personal attacks, he has been known to question refereeing standards.
• Notable Moment: After a controversial red card against Manchester United in 2014, Moyes said, “I don’t understand why these decisions are being given. It’s disappointing. The referee should have looked at the situation more clearly.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Moyes’ comments were viewed as a polite but pointed critique of refereeing in England. He usually avoids making direct accusations but still conveys his dissatisfaction when the team is on the receiving end of questionable decisions.

7. Marco Silva

• Response Style: Silva tends to be measured in his responses to refereeing decisions, though he does express frustration when he feels his team has been wronged. He usually calls for consistency and clarity from officials.
• Notable Moment: After a narrow loss to Chelsea in 2018, Silva commented, “The decision was wrong, we had the opportunity to win. It’s disappointing because it’s a big decision.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Silva’s relatively calm response to controversial decisions stands out in a footballing landscape where emotions often run high. His measured tone is aimed at getting the right decisions rather than attacking the officials outright.

8. Mauricio Pochettino

• Response Style: Pochettino is generally calm and collected in interviews but has been known to express frustration when refereeing decisions go against his teams. He has a more diplomatic approach, often calling for more clarity and better decision-making.
• Notable Moment: After a contentious 2-2 draw with Liverpool in 2018, Pochettino said, “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee. But we need to be sure that we are doing our job right.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Pochettino’s comments were somewhat diplomatic, but his refusal to explicitly criticize the referee while still highlighting the importance of fairness made it clear that he was unhappy with certain calls.

9. Rafael Benítez

• Response Style: Benítez often remains calm and measured when discussing refereeing decisions but has been known to point out inconsistencies or mistakes when they impact his team.
• Notable Moment: After a controversial penalty decision in a 2005 Premier League game, Benítez said, “We have to accept the referee’s decision, but it was a mistake.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Benítez’s criticisms are usually tempered with an understanding of the referee’s perspective, but his comments still highlight the mistakes without attacking the referee directly.

10. Luis Enrique

• Response Style: Luis Enrique is known for his directness and confidence in interviews, and he doesn’t shy away from criticizing referees when necessary. However, he maintains a respectful tone when discussing mistakes.
• Notable Moment: After a loss to Real Madrid, Luis Enrique said, “I do not want to comment on the refereeing. But I can say it’s clear that we’ve been affected by a mistake.”
• Why It Was Controversial: Enrique’s refusal to directly attack the referees yet still making it clear that a mistake affected the result left a lasting impression. His style is usually pragmatic, but he still uses subtlety to express his frustration.