Former Leeds United and Middlesbrough star reveals how Neil Warnock sparked 'fight' with Nigel Pearson

Warnock and Pearson are both known for their outspoken manners and have both managed Bamba during their managerial careers. The Ivorian defender played under Pearson at Leicester City, before going on to work with Warnock at Cardiff City and Middlesbrough.

Bamba is known to have a strong relationship with Warnock, who recently claimed to be retired following his departure from Aberdeen. The 39-year-old has revealed Warnock made a tongue-in-cheek approach to Bamba when the defender was playing for Leicester under Pearson.

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Speaking on the BBC’s Sacked in the Morning podcast, Bamba said: "Neil Warnock was very good at that, his man management was unbelievable.

"It's a skill, it's very difficult to learn that, but if you've got that I think it's half the job. Everyone's talking about tactics, all that is important, but if you're not a good man manager you'll not win matches, ever.

"I remember playing for Leicester and him and Nigel Pearson had a fight, both of them characters. Warnock came to me on the touchline, [saying] if you play with me you'd be playing in the Premier League and a millionaire.

"Nigel didn't take that well. I ended up playing for him for five or six years. We had a great relationship. We just clicked."