Former Arsenal, Juventus, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger recently discussed his extensive career, sharing insights on working with football luminaries such as Arsene Wenger, Antonio Conte, Jurgen Klopp, Gianluigi Buffon, and Alessandro Del Piero. He also revealed why his initial transfer to a Serie A club proved to be a misstep.
Manninger on Arsenal, Juventus, and Liverpool Experiences
Manninger’s career began with a pivotal move to Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. He described the experience as “still exciting,” recalling his youth at 20 when Wenger sought to globalize the club and invest in young talent, a category Manninger fit perfectly. He felt a surprising calmness in goal, crediting the formidable Tony Adams for significant mentorship. His only regret from this period was departing prematurely, driven by a strong desire for more playing time.
His subsequent move to Serie A, a loan spell at Fiorentina, was deemed a “wrong decision” by Manninger. He characterized the 2001 situation as “absurd,” with the club teetering on bankruptcy and players going unpaid for months. Manager Roberto Mancini’s uncertainty about daily training sessions underscored the club’s precarious financial state, making it clear that collapse was imminent.
Manninger’s Serie A journey included stints at Torino and Bologna, eventually finding his stride as a first-choice goalkeeper during a loan period at Siena. He affectionately described Siena as “my home,” cherishing the peaceful city and the king-like treatment he received. He praised the enduring affection from its residents and highlighted the significant support from Enrico Chiesa, his former Fiorentina teammate, who guided him early on and whose formidable playing ability left a lasting impression.
One of the standout figures Manninger played alongside was Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero. As Gianluigi Buffon’s understudy, Manninger recalled spending hours after training with Del Piero, engaging in numerous challenges and sharing many laughs. He was particularly astonished by Del Piero’s penalty-taking prowess, describing him as a “sniper.” Manninger also noted Del Piero’s skill in golf, hinting at future challenges reminiscent of their penalty and free-kick duels at Juventus.
Regarding Gianluigi Buffon, Manninger expressed profound admiration: “He’s truly fantastic. His greatness was never in doubt.” He marvelled at Buffon’s unwavering composure, often asking, “How do you do it, Gigi?” Manninger felt honoured to have played with him and for Juventus, a move that symbolized a “full circle” moment in his career.
Elaborating on the “full circle” sentiment, Manninger revealed that Juventus had nearly signed him a decade prior. After participating in a few training sessions, the club opted for Edwin van der Sar, leading Manninger to Arsenal. Returning to Juventus had always remained a long-term aspiration.
Beyond Wenger, Manninger also experienced playing under modern football tacticians like Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte. Conte’s inaugural season as Juventus head coach coincided with Manninger’s final year there. Manninger was immediately impressed by Conte during pre-season, recalling how Conte personally expressed admiration for his work ethic and revealed a past desire to sign him for Siena. Initially, Conte was the sole believer in a Scudetto win, following two seventh-place finishes and a period of club mismanagement. Manninger noted that Conte effectively “rebuilt the church in the middle of town,” a common Italian idiom for restoring order and purpose.
Manninger concluded his career at Liverpool, serving as a third-choice goalkeeper under Jurgen Klopp. His move to Liverpool began with a direct phone call from Klopp, who demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of Manninger’s past performances, notably recalling how Manninger’s Augsburg side had defeated his Dortmund team two years prior. Klopp stated, “I want that goalkeeper there. That day you saved everything against us. You have to do it for me, too.” Despite not making an official appearance at 40 years old, Manninger described his departure from football and bidding farewell to the fans in front of the Kop as an “amazing feeling.”
