In the space of just two weeks, the world's two outstanding managers made their positions public. First, Jose Mourinho responded to his dismissal at Chelsea by making it plain that he had no need of a sabbatical. He was immediately ready to return to work, according to a statement issued by his agents..
Within a couple of days, Louis van Gaal's position as Manchester United manager, Rafael Benitez's post at Real Madrid and Roberto Mancini's at Internazionale were all under a rather greater degree of threat than they had been previously.
Not long after, Pep Guardiola ended months of speculation by confirming he would not be renewing his contract at Bayern Munich.