The ranking compiled by the English magazine FourFourTwo focuses on coaches who started the current season at the helm of a club: a significant presence of the Serie A and Italian coaches in the standings.
FourFourTwo has attempted to answer the who are the 50 best coaches in the world. Through a comprehensive analysis the criteria does not only consider results achieved so far, but also the potential they seem to possess. Italian names are not missing, whether they work in Serie A or abroad, along with many unexpected names.
50. Enzo Maresca (Leicester)
Mikel Arteta is not the only disciple of Pep Guardiola. Enzo Maresca, leading the Championship with Leicester right now, excels in the footsteps of the Spanish coach. The Foxes, relegated last year, have no intention of waiting to return to playing in the Premier League and have entrusted themselves to a young newcomer who, seems to be on a good path to returning in the first division.
49. Sebastian Hoeness (Stuttgart)
In a league like the Bundesliga, where surprises are routine, Stuttgart is certainly one of the biggest one, led by their striker Guirassy. Behind the team’s growth is the mind of Sebastian Hoeness, the nephew of Bayern Munich legend Uli. The next dream is the Champions League.
48. Magne Hoseth (KÍ Klaksvík)
KÍ Klaksvík has become the first club from the Faroe Islands to qualify for the group stages of a European competition (Conference League). A small miracle signed by the Norwegian coach Hoseth, who also came close to the Champions League, surrendering only in the third preliminary round against Molde.
47. Peter Bosz (PSV)
The name of Peter Bosz is not a new one. He has toured Europe, coaching Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and, most recently, Lyon. At PSV, he is showcasing his ideas and is at the top of the Eredivisie standings.
46. Christian Streich (Freiburg)
In his twelfth season at the helm of Freiburg, Streich has always coached only the German team. The relegation in 2014/2015 could have marked the end of his tenure, but the immediate return to the Bundesliga earned him a redemption. In 2022, he reached the final of the DFB-Pokal, lost in a penalty shootout against Leipzig.
45. Will Still (Stade de Reims)
The Belgian-born coach has built a fantastic team. In Ligue 1, his three-man defense remained unbeaten from October to March of last season. In the current season, Reims has also started strongly under Still’s guidance.
44. Rafa Benitez (Celta Vigo)
The thrilling years when he won the Champions League and the FA Cup with Liverpool may be in the past, but Rafa Benitez has made a strong comeback with Celta Vigo in La Liga.
43. Gary O’Neil (Wolverhampton)
Gary O’Neil was dismissed after avoiding relegation in the Premier League with Bournemouth but immediately bounced back at the helm of Wolverhampton.
42. Edin Terzic (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund came close to breaking Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga last season, and Terzic played a crucial role. Dortmund plays excellent football, with a young team. Losing Jude Bellingham in the summer would have devastated anyone sportingly, but the forty-one-year-old seamlessly transformed his team into another formidable bundes force.
41. Thomas Frank (Brentford)
Danish coach Thomas Frank is the third-longest-serving manager in the Premier League, behind Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, and in many ways, he has proven to be as versatile as them both. Adapting his team to become more physical in the Premier League, he has switched between 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 formation.
40. Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Before his arrival in 2016, Atalanta seemed destined to fight avoiding relegation every year. La Dea now consistently battles for a place in Europe and, in 2019, qualified for the Champions League for the first time. With his 3-4-3 formation, he has made history with the Lombard club.
39. Brendan Rodgers (Celtic)
The adventure at Leicester didn’t go well, but Brendan Rodgers proved reliable at Celtic and is now seeking redemption after the challenging last few seasons.
38. Frank Schmidt (Heidenheim)
When Frank Schmidt took over Heidenheim in 2007, the club had just become independent and was in the fourth division of German football. After 16 years, Heidenheim is competing in the Bundesliga for the first time in its history. He is currently the longest-serving coach in German football.
37. Sergio Conceicao (Porto)
Sergio Conceicao and Porto clicked immediately, winning domestically, and in the Champions League, they have given tough challenge to several big teams. The Dragons have won three domestic titles under the guidance of their current coach, all while playing with a highly commendable style of football.
36. David Moyes (West Ham)
A decade after the humiliating 10 months at Manchester United, Moyes has changed his reputation with West Ham United. With the Hammers, he won the Conference League in Prague last June.
35. Martin Demichelis (River Plate)
A challenging task was entrusted to Martin Demichelis, taking charge of River Plate in place of the iconic Marcelo Gallardo, and he succeeded in winning the title. He has proven to be a wise coach, and his time at the helm of Bayern Munich II might pave the way for a return to Europe one day.
34. Maurizio Sarri (Lazio)
Despite criticism for his approach at Stamford Bridge, he managed to win the Europa League – his first major trophy – before securing Juventus‘ last Serie A title in 2020. Now, he has led Lazio back to the Champions League after finishing second last season. Not to mention his great spell with Napoli
33. Roger Schmidt (Benfica)
Roger Schmidt is the second German to coach Benfica after the legendary Jupp Heynckes. However, he became the first to win the title, and he did it with style, providing entertainment and showcasing top-level players like Enzo Fernandez or Darwin Nunez in recent years.
32. Ivan Juric (Torino)
His “death metal” football style is what truly sets him apart, constantly encouraging his players to aggressively mark opponents. It pays off many times, sometimes less
31. Marco Rose (RB Leipzig)
The tenure at Borussia Dortmund didn’t go according to plan, but Marco Rose is still an exceptionally talented coach. Now at RB Leipzig, like all good Red Bull coaches, he prefers a high-intensity style of football, and several players have improved under his guidance, just as they did at Borussia Monchengladbach and Salzburg.
30. Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)
5 consecutive Serie A titles, 4 consecutive Coppa Italia victories, and 2 Champions League final appearances are certainly not a record to be dismissed. His return to Juventus in 2021 has not yet brought any trophies, true, but off-field issues have overshadowed his second tenure. Preferring a slower build-up and greater control, Allegri is flexible in his tactics always preparing to face specific opponents.
29. Tite (Flamengo)
If you think managin England is a tough job, try managing Brazil. Tite has done an excellent job, and now he is in charge of Flamengo. Like others on this list, his place is earnedbased on his abilities and history compared to his current club endeavors, but Tite remains one of the most respected managers in his homeland.
28. Stefano Pioli (AC Milan)
Style of play, identity, and even a Serie A title in 2021.Thanks to his ideas,Milan has grown and even came close to a Champions League final. The Rossoneri have been rejuvenated after some difficult years. His influence is undoubtedly a significant factor.
27. Adi Hutter (Monaco)
Adi Hutter first caught attention by defeating Bayern Munich 5-0 (their biggest defeat since 1978) with Borussia Monchengladbach. His tenure at Gladbach, while stable, was temporary – and now he is having a good campaign at Monaco.
26. Ruben Amorim (Sporting)
At 38, the Portuguese coach impressed by winning the Portuguese League Cup final with Braga in 2020 against Porto, just three weeks into his first managerial role. Sporting immediately called him, and Amorim didn’t shy away, making history with the club by winning the league.
25. Franck Haise (Lens)
Leading Lens to the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in two decades and with a young, exciting team, Franck Haise has won the hearts of Ligue 1 for his style of football. The summer dealt them a tough blow: Seko Fofana and Lois Openda left the club, and the coach had to adapt. Nevertheless, the Frenchman has made his team challenging to face.
24. Michel (Girona)
While in Catalonia, many look to Barcelona for exciting and attacking football, Girona is impressing everybody in La Liga this season due to the intelligent tactics employed by Michel. After securing promotion from the Spanish second tier in his first season with the club, the coach led the team to a 10th-place finish last year, and now they are really dreaming big.
23. Urs Fischer (former Union Berlin)
Urs Fischer has a fierce intelligence and is already a legend in East Germany. He led Union Berlin to their first promotion in the Bundesliga, not to mention their first campaigns in the Europa League and Champions League. He would have earned a point at the Bernabeu if Jude Bellingham hadn’t broken Berlin hearts in injury time. Following a disappointing start to the season, he was dismissed by the club in mid-November.
22. Fernando Diniz (Fluminense/Brazil)
Ever heard of Guardiola, Cruyff, and even Herbert Chapman? Diniz aims to follow that path, at least as an innovator. The Fluminense coach has just won the Copa Libertadores, showcasing a modern way of football. Brazil also rejoices as it is currently under his guidance as the interim national team coach.
21. Vincenzo Italiano (Fiorentina)
He is part of the new generation coaches of Italian football. He first shone with Spezia and then with Fiorentina, returning the club to Europe and narrowly missing the victory in the Conference League last season, losing in the final against West Ham.
20. Simone Inzaghi (Inter)
Beyond the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa, he hasn’t won any other titles with Inter. Fans are hoping for the league title this season, where the Nerazzurri are favorites, and dreaming of the Champions League. With great work last season, he reached the final, and now the coach seems to have shaped a team that is beating everyone at the moment.
19. Imanol Alguacil (Real Sociedad)
Imanol Alguacil guided Real Sociedad to the Champions League last season with exciting play and even revitalized 37-year-old David Silva in the last season of his career. Now he continues to impress, especially in the Champions League, where he has already secured qualification for the round of 16.
18. Mauricio Pochettino (Chelsea)
Certainly doesn’t deserve this placement for what he’s doing at Chelsea. At Tottenham, he left fond memories, albeit without winning any trophies but reaching the Champions League fina;. He added to his trophy cabinet with PSG, but it was a task too easy. Now, with the Blues, he has a challenging mission: restore dignity to one of the top clubs in the Premier League.
17. Arne Slot (Feyenoord)
A Conference League final in his first season was followed by winning the Dutch Eredivisie in the second. Under his guidance at Feyenoord has developed players like Luis Sinisterra, Tyrell Malacia, Marcos Senesi, Orkun Kokcu, Reiss Nelson, and Santiago Gimenez.
16. Ange Postecoglu (Tottenham)
He completely took the stage in the Premier League with Tottenham, becoming a true character. The high midfield press of the Spurs in a 9 against 11 scenario against Chelsea remains memorable. A visionary or a madman. Only time will tell.
15. José Mourinho (Roma)
For his career, there’s no need to go to Wikipedia; everyone knows it. He has won in every place he has coached. Now, in Serie A with Roma, he is facing many challenges, but the European journey in recent years has brought joy to his eyes.
14. Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras)
Ferreira has transformed Brazilian football since arriving in 2020 and quickly became the foreign manager with the most trophies in the country. The three consecutive Copa Libertadores titles were only halted by a penalty shootout loss to Boca Juniors in the semifinals.
13. Luis Enrique (PSG)
Luis Enrique has returned to the coaching role after his stint as the head coach of Spain. As a coach, he has won everything, especially with the famous MSN trio at Barcelona, and has been the protagonist of magical nights like the remuntada against PSG, the team he now manages. In these early months, he has been able to enhance young talents, such as the 2006-born Zaire-Emery.
12. Erik ten Hag (Manchester United)
His Ajax success seems like a distant relative at Manchester United, where he’s facing many adaptation challenges. His ideas are unquestionable, and that’s why he’s just outside the top 10. He needs time, but how much?
11. Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
Xabi Alonso has had the fortune of being coached by Guardiola, Ancelotti, Mourinho, Benitez, and Del Bosque. All have contributed to a solid coaching education. After leading Real Sociedad B to Segunda Division for the first time in five decades, he is now making Bayer Leverkusen dream, competing for the title with Bayern Munich.
10. Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid)
Impressive for its longevity, what Simeone has achieved is noteworthy, especially in challenging Barcelona and Real Madrid‘s dominance. Not only has he dueled with them, but also won against them in two separate seasons. Recently, he extended his contract with Los Colchoneros until 2027, potentially reaching sixteen years on the bench of the Spanish club. Not to forget his 2 Champions League finals with the club.
9. Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Redefined as the Europa League man, holding the record with four cups won as a coach: three titles with Sevilla, one with Villarreal, in addition to consistently guiding his teams to the top of the standings. Now, his focus has shifted to the Premier League, and he is doing an incredible job with Aston Villa.
8. Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)
Under De Zerbi’s guidance, Brighton qualified for the Europa League for the first time in its history, finishing sixth in the Premier League in 2022/23. But it’s not just the results that make the coach impressive; it’s his tactical courage that sets him apart. A style of play that caught the attention of Guardiola, who is always ready to praise the Italian manager for his approach with the Seagulls.
7. Xavi (Barcelona)
He arrived on the Blaugrana bench during the club’s worst period, both in terms of technical aspects and finances. That’s why the work done by the coach has been even more crucial: he has brought the Barcelona philosophy back to the forefront of the project and has overseen a school of talents ready to become the present and future of the team.
6. Eddie Howe (Newcastle United)
He arrived at Newcastle in a truly difficult situation, with the club on the verge of relegation to the Championship, but in just two years, he turned the situation around. The Magpies reached their first cup final in over 20 years when they faced Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last February, before securing a place in the Champions League with an outstanding fourth position. He has brought a winning mentality to the locker room, which is evident in the style of play and the attitude of the players on the field.
5. Thomas Tuchel (Bayern Munich)
From Germany to England, with a brief stint at PSG in between, and then a return to Bavaria to lift Bayern Munich from a moment of crisis. He managed to secure the title on the last day thanks to his ability to work on the mentality and mindset of the players.
4. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Since 2019, he has been bringing the Gunners back to significant levels in the Premier League after learning from the best (Guardiola) as his assistant at Man City. Over these years, he has won 2 Community Shields and 1 FA Cup. His team clearly reflects the playing philosophy and tactical principles he instills and is fighting to win the Premier League once again.
3. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
Fantastic is his ability to get the best out of each of his players, Ancelotti is one of the greatest coaches to have ever sit on the bench. Pirlo, Kaká, Lampard, Bale, James, Vinicius, Benzema, and now Bellingham, all ascended to superstar status under the watchful eye of the Italian coach. In his storied career, he has secured 4 Champions League titles on the sidelines (2 with Milan and 2 with Real) and won all the 5 biggest European leagues.
2. Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Since 2015, he has been on the sidelines of Liverpool and, for the moment, has no intention of abdicating. After a season not quite at the usual levels, he is rediscovering the characteristics of a team with a great desire to fight for the top. He has found innovative ways to get the best out of Mohamed Salah and develop the talents of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
1. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Few words to say about the Catalan coach. Over the years, he has implemented his entire football philosophy in favor of beautiful play and results. The latest, most recently, is the Treble victory with Manchester City, securing the club’s first historic Champions League title In his career, he has won in Germany, Spain, and now in England.
