Pre-season is where all eyes were on the 'new' managers - their squads, substitutes, transfer window activity and even how they dress.
But let us not forget - victory in one club doesn't necessarily mean victory in the next one.
However, before we get ahead of ourselves, who will lead their club to titles this season? Who will resign? And who will be sacked? I think the sacking part is the fun part ... I'm sure Roman Abramovich agrees with me!
ALL EYES ON:
Bayern Munchen - Pep Guardiola
Managing Bayern will be a bit challenging especially after winning the treble last season under the leadership of Juup Heynckes. It will be tough to fill those shoes, but with Bayern being such a well oiled machine, it shouldn't be that hard. It won't be easy for Pep this season, he has to keep Bayern winning titles and all will be good.
Pep has already thrashed Barcelona during a friendly match. So he's off to a good start. The Bundesliga has begun, so let's hope he keeps it up.
During his reign at Barcelona, Pep won a total of 13 trophies. Can he match or exceed that at Bayern?
Chelsea - José Mourinho
If Mourinho wanted to be a Chelsea manager, why did he leave in the first place? Anyway, since he has already been manager of Chelsea, his role could be an easy one, but with Roman Abramovich sacking managers every now and then, he better be careful. Like every other manager, Mourinho will be looking to win titles, especially after leaving Madrid with nothing last season. However, when it comes to Chelsea, they do at least win one title every season. If Rafael Benitez can do it, so can anyone, and so can the Special One. Chelsea supporters love Mourinho, that was evident during Rafa's reign. Mourinho 'lives' for touch line bans, so he has to put his ego and temper aside so he can make Chelsea successful. At Madrid he spent more time banned than the number of titles he won at the Bernabeu.
With a total of 18 titles across Europe, Mourinho can make Chelsea a force to be reckoned with.
Manchester United - David Moyes
One man has the world on his shoulders - Moyes. Can he continue the historical legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson? How would you handle taking over a man as great as Sir Alex Ferguson? With no major titles under his belt, just a long serving manager, how will he make it at Old Trafford? 20 English Premier League titles and they dropped to 2nd place on the Forbes list. Can Moyes keep United winning titles, or retain their number one spot on the Forbes list? Besides Moyes winning titles with United, can he win the hearts of Red Devils all around the world? Major love for Fergie doesn't just disappear.
Only one title, in the second division, in 2000 and he lost his first match (summer tour) in charge. However, he redeemed himself by leading United to their first title this season, the FA Community Shield last Sunday.
Manchester City - Manuel Pellegrini
It came as a shock for some football enthusiasts to hear that Pellegrini took over City. It was surprising because the last time Pellegrini was in charge of a big club (Real Madrid), he looked like a zombie, never smiled and resembled Arsène Wenger whenever Arsenal were in trouble. He was more a puppet than a manager. The Chilean had his glory days at Málaga CF when he led them to the Champions League quarter-finals. Anyway, Pellegrini said he will lead City to overtake Manchester United in the Premier League. City supporters will be looking forward to that. However, Pellegrini started on a bad note when City lost 2-0 to SuperSport United and 2-1 to Amazulu in South Africa during the Football Invitational in Support of Mandela Day 2013. Once again, City have been the big spenders in the Transfer Window. Which reminds me, didn't the same thing happen when he was at Real Madrid and led them to a then 96 points record and no title?
A tough challenge lies ahead for Pellegrini.
Everton - Roberto Martinez
After leading Wigan Athletic to FA Cup glory and relegation, Martinez will be in the Premier League as Everton manager. Can Martinez keep Everton in the top 10? Or will he push them towards relegation like he did Wigan? However, relegation is a major doubt since Everton is a strong team, stronger than Wigan obviously. With Everton referred to as stagnant (according to the supporters), hopefully Martinez can lift them higher and take Everton to the winners circle with a title or two or more.
Real Madrid - Carlo Ancelotti
What will the Italian bring to Madrid? Ancelotti recently led Paris-Saint Germain to a league title, while Madrid won absolutely nothing. With a star-studded club, victory should be inevitable. Sadly, Madrid lost to Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals, lost La Liga to Barcelona and lost to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Cup. It's a long shot, but maybe Ancelotti can keep the peace between Madrid and Barcelona during El Clasico matches. Most importantly, can he lead Madrid to Champions League glory and regain La Liga from Barcelona?
*Figures are a rough but close estimate.
Other 'New' Managers
Malaga CF - Bernd Schuster
Napoli - Rafael Benitez
Paris Saint-Germain - Laurent Blanc
Stoke City - Mark Hughes
Wigan Athletic - Owen Coyle
Most news stories and press conferences consist of the same or similar reports ... Manager will bring success to club ... I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
