Aaron Ramsey played under iconic managers such as Arsene Wenger and Andrea Pirlo who could be a source of influence at Oxford United.
The new U's head coach was appointed at the end of June, replacing Matt Bloomfield who was sacked three days prior.
It is Arsenal and Premier League star Ramsey's first permanent role in management after he retired from playing professional football in April of this year.
The Oxford squad reported back to OX4 for pre-season this week with Ramsey undertaking his first sessions as Yellows boss ahead of the 2026/27 League One season.
The 35-year-old enjoyed an impressive playing career at the top level of the European game.
"I've been exposed to some of the best environments in football," Ramsey said in his first Oxford press conference.
"I've played in different continents, different countries, and all of this gives me the belief that I can lead this team and make a real impact."
The new United boss was flown out to Switzerland by legendary Gunners manager Wenge himself as the teenager made the switch from Cardiff City to North London.
Wenger was renowned as a coach that changed the face of English football upon his arrival in 1996, with a desire for playing fluid, attacking football.
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He also brought in elite habits off the pitch in terms of diet and changing the club's drinking culture in his early days.
Similarly, Ramsey referenced the elite behaviours that he wants to bring to the U's, saying: "I have a really clear way of playing and identity that I want to create, but that is built on clear principles first and then underpinned by elite habits and everyday behaviours."
When Wenger left the club in 2018, former Paris Saint-Germain and current Aston Villa manager Unai Emery took over.
Emery is a coach who enjoys possession-based, patient football and quick, effective transitions.
With Oxford now expected to be one of the better teams in League One, rather than an underdog in the Championship, it will be interesting to see whether Ramsey can implement a similarly entertaining style in OX4.
The U's head coach made the move to Italy to join Juventus, winning the Serie A title in his first season under former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
When Sarri was sacked in August 2020, in came legendary Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo who, despite his lack of real success with the Old Lady, cited teams managed by the likes of Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti as inspiration.
New U's boss has an abundance of footballing genius to take aspects from and Oxford will hope that League One is the place where Ramsey's similar success in management begins.
