Football has a plethora of world class and exciting managers; from the decorated veterans like Jose Mouhrino and Manuel Pellegrini to the promising young newcomers who are leaving an imprint on their clubs such as Roberto De Zerbi. Here we rank the top current managers within our game, considering longevity, honours, impact and player development.
5. Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid
The fiery Argentinian transformed Atletico Madrid into a title challenging powerhouse, where since his arrival in 2011 the club has broken Barcelona and Real Madrid's duopoly in La Liga. A domestic double winner as a player, Simeone guided Atletico Madrid to the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Champions League final in his first two years. It was Los Colchoneros' second Champions League final in the club's history, however a 93 minute Sergio Ramos headed equaliser brought heartbreak. In the same 2013-14 season he delivered a first La Liga title in 14 years and then won it again in 2021. Serving the club for 12 years, he has become La Liga's longest serving manager as well as accomplishing the most wins in Atletico Madrid's lifetime. A tactical genius who is meticulous with his player's, and a flamboyant persona where you never know what to expect from him. He has left a long lasting legacy at the Spanish club with his distinct narrow 4-4-2 formation.
4. Thomas Tuchel - Bayern Munich
The 50 year old resurrected Bayern Munich last season, after their underwhelming campaign, to lift an 11th straight Bundesliga title. Earlier that season he had been dismissed by Chelsea's new American owner Todd Boehly less than four months after reaching his fourth final in two seasons at the club. His tactical astuteness miraculously took a limp Chelsea to lift the Champions League only five months after he was appointed mid-way through the season. Wherever, the German has been Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain or Chelsea he has instilled a winning mentality into his teams and lifted silverware. With him a the helm Bayern Munich are favourites to win the Champions League this season, because his attention to detail and tactical adaptability tailored to each opponent he faces is unmatched.
3. Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool
Few managers can re-invent themselves and bounce back like Jurgen Klopp, whose re-built Liverpool team are once again challenging for the Premier League title this season. There is not a better man-manager within football, his ability to re-juvenate his players and bring cohesion and unity within dressing rooms is at the epicentre of his success. He delivered Liverpool their first title in 29 years in 2020 and he made them into serial winners reaching three Champions League finals within the last six years. His fast-paced and dynamic system is joyous to watch because its direct and action-packed where his teams are always set up to score goals. Liverpool are blessed to have a manager who completely understands the club philosophy and fanbase where he is such as charismatic and infectious persona to have on the touchline and on screen.
2. Carlo Ancelotti - Real Madrid
"Don Carlo" does not get the respect he deserves for his impact at Real Madrid. The 64 year old has been forced to work on a restricted budget at a club the magnitude of Real Madrid and has still maintained their reputation, securing the treble in his first season returning to the Santiago Bernabeu. His management style appears very relaxed, but it seems this approach gives his players the freedom and belief where they step up and perform on the pitch. He has overcome so many obstacles while at Madrid, such as losing Karim Benzema this season and yet he always finds a way to win. Wherever, the Italian goes his name has been a by-word for silverware because he always delivers.
Pep Guardiola - Manchester City
The Spaniard has revolutionised Manchester City since his arrival in June 2016. The 52 year old has averaged a 74% win rate in his managerial career at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, averaging 2.4 points per game. He has won 15 trophies across eight seasons with the Premier League champions including last seasons memorable treble where he guided the Citizens to their first ever European trophy. His management style is relentless and unforgiving, where he is always unsettled looking at how to develop or adapt. His cut throat decisions on players show just how dedicated he is to winning where every little detail has to be perfect. Only Sir Alex Ferguson can boast three successive Premier League titles, and no team has dominated the league like his.
Written by Lewis Eadie
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