[Hahnemann_4_USA]

How do you get the chance to become a top manager When you hve never played football in a top league any tips? like wat team to manage to get to the top?

[JohnW]

Originally posted by Hahnemann_4_USA
How do you get the chance to become a top manager When you hve never played football in a top league any tips? like wat team to manage to get to the top?

Short answer: it's not going to happen. Ever.

[Tekneek]

Is it really impossible? Probably not impossible, but extremely unlikely. The amount of time it would take you to build up your reputation, and networking, means you would probably die, go senile, or otherwise be unable to function, before you would be able to land some kind of dream job.

Could you potentially make it all the way to coach of a high school team, or some equivalent competitive level without having played at that level? I would think you could, but it would take a lot of work starting at a far lower level to reach that level, as well. That would probably be the ultimate you could/should aspire to. At least, that is from my own personal opinion. I may be totally wrong.

[Elninho]

I'm pretty sure there's at least one EPL manager (Gerard Houllier, I think) who's never played professionally?

[Leviathan1886]

To say it is impossible is rubbish!! You are right, Gerard Houllier never played football, but managed small clubs in the mid 80's/90's, before becoming Director of Youth for France pre '98. He brought through a lot of the current French stars. He became joint Liverpool manager, with Roy Evans, about 99/2000.. and the rest is written.
In order to reach the top, you have to start at the bottom. First and Foremost, get your coaching badges/licenses. Most teams in Europe will not consider you unless you have at least a 'B' standard. You then need experience.. try to get a job coaching a kids team whilst doing your badges..maybe move from there to a proper semi professional team. From there, this is where you start to build your reputation, and you are your own guide. If you do well and get noticed..maybe a club will ask you to coach their youth team*..if not, then at least you are coaching a team.
*If you don't have your license, you won't be offered any position.

These rules and ways are pretty similar in all the governing bodies :UEFA ConCaCaf etc