Top 11 best football managers of 2024
(Courtesy : DFL/Bundesliga)
Four Spanish masterminds make it to this elite list.
Arsene Wenger once wisely stated, “A manager is a guide. He takes a group of people and says, with you I can make us a success. I can show you the way.” These words capture the essence of what a football manager represents – a visionary leader who moulds a team, steers it through challenges, and charts the course for victory. Indeed, the manager is arguably the most influential figure in a football team’s journey, not only steering their tactical approach but also shaping their morale and identity.
In 2024, we witnessed a wave of remarkable managerial appointments, with both newcomers and seasoned veterans making their mark. Xabi Alonso, for instance, ended Bayern Munich’s dominance in German football, leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten run and clinching the Bundesliga title. Luis de la Fuente revived Spain’s footballing legacy, guiding them to victory in UEFA Euro 2024. Simultaneously, established masters like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti continued their reign at the top, with Guardiola securing another Premier League triumph, and Ancelotti further solidifying his legacy by leading Real Madrid to yet another UEFA Champions League title.
In this feature, we look at the managerial masterminds of 2024, whose tactical brilliance and visionary leadership have propelled their teams to extraordinary heights. From Xabi Alonso’s groundbreaking success with Bayer Leverkusen to Carlo Ancelotti’s unwavering dominance with Real Madrid, these coaches have demonstrated how far sheer tactical genius and belief in their teams can take them.
Join us as we take a look at the top 11 coaches of 2024, whose journeys are a testament to their unmatched expertise and ability to inspire greatness.
11. Jorge Jesus
Jorge Jesus, the 70-year-old Portuguese tactician, has cemented his legacy with one of the most illustrious years of his managerial career. Entrusted with the monumental task of steering Al-Hilal to domestic glory, Jesus rose to the occasion with remarkable poise. Under his guidance, Al-Hilal not only reclaimed the Saudi Pro League title but also triumphed in the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup, completing a memorable treble.
Boasting an extraordinary win percentage of 83.95% since taking charge, Jesus has demonstrated his tactical acumen and ability to inspire excellence. His unparalleled achievements this season earned him the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month accolade on four occasions, further solidifying his status as one of the most successful managers in Al-Hilal’s storied history. His leadership has rejuvenated the team and set a benchmark for managerial excellence in Saudi football.
10. Peter Bosz
Peter Bosz, the 61-year-old Dutch strategist from Apeldoorn, has orchestrated a remarkable transformation at PSV Eindhoven since assuming managerial duties in 2023. A decorated player during his tenure with Feyenoord, Bosz was part of the squad that clinched the Eredivisie title in the 1992-93 season. Fast forward to his managerial career, he guided PSV to Eredivisie triumph this year, marking a pinnacle in his coaching journey.
His stellar leadership also earned him the prestigious Rinus Michels Award, a testament to his tactical brilliance and impact on Dutch football. With a commanding win percentage of 73.91% since his arrival, Bosz has revitalized PSV, firmly establishing the club as a dominant force in Dutch football. His journey epitomizes resilience and determination, proving that setbacks, such as his challenging stint at Borussia Dortmund, do not define a coach’s legacy. Instead, Bosz has redefined himself, turning adversity into an opportunity to etch his name among the elite managers of the modern game.
9. Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta, a figure deeply intertwined with Arsenal’s legacy, demonstrated his unwavering loyalty even during his stint as Manchester City’s assistant coach, often refraining from celebrating goals against the Gunners. A former Arsenal midfielder from 2011 to 2016, Arteta’s footballing journey also saw him cross paths with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona’s academy, where their bond began to flourish. Guardiola later persuaded Arteta to join him at Manchester City, forging a strong professional relationship that would shape Arteta’s managerial philosophy.
In 2019, Arteta embarked on his managerial journey with Arsenal. Despite early setbacks, the club’s faith in his vision paid dividends as he revitalized their playing style and competitive edge. Over the past three Premier League seasons, Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a genuine title contender, reshaping the squad’s profile and identity. The last season saw Arsenal narrowly miss out on the title again, finishing second for the second consecutive year.
Arteta’s remarkable contributions were recognized globally. He was named the Best Premier League Coach at the Globe Soccer Awards and was honoured with the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic. As he continues to push Arsenal toward silverware, Arteta remains hopeful that Liverpool might falter in their upcoming fixtures, potentially paving the way for Arsenal to clinch the elusive Premier League crown.
8. Ruben Amorim
Manchester United‘s new managerial appointment, Ruben Amorim, arrives at Old Trafford carrying a stellar reputation as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents. Fresh off an extraordinary year with Sporting CP, Amorim guided the Lisbon-based club to the Primeira Liga title, reaffirming his tactical prowess and ability to nurture a winning culture. His exploits earned him multiple accolades, including four Premier League Manager of the Month nominations this year and the Premier League Manager of the Season award, cementing his status as a sought-after coach in the footballing world.
During his four-year tenure at Sporting, Amorim oversaw an impressive 231 matches, achieving a formidable win percentage of 71%, a testament to his consistency and strategic acumen. Under his leadership, Sporting evolved into a formidable side domestically and in European competitions, blending youth development with attacking football.
The 38-year-old Portuguese tactician now embarks on his most challenging endeavour. Amorim aims to reinstate United as a perennial contender for domestic and European honours. With his proven track record and innovative approach, the Red Devils faithful will hope that Amorim’s tenure ushers in a new golden era at the Theatre of Dreams.
7. Gian Piero Gasperini
Gian Piero Gasperini has etched his name in Atalanta‘s history books by guiding the Bergamo-based club to their first-ever UEFA Europa League title, defeating an undefeated Bayer Leverkusen in a one-sided finale. This monumental achievement further underscores his transformative influence on Atalanta, a team he has nurtured into one of Serie A’s most formidable forces.
In the current Serie A campaign, Gasperini’s side have emerged as a genuine title contender. His tactical acumen and ability to maximize his squad’s potential were recently recognized when he was named Serie A Coach of the Month for May 2024.
Gasperini’s success stems from the unwavering faith of Atalanta’s management, who have supported him since his appointment in 2016. Over eight remarkable years, he has navigated the club through both peaks and valleys, consistently driving their evolution from mid-table regulars to a powerhouse in Italian and European football. As Atalanta continue to challenge for domestic glory, Gasperini remains determined to solidify their status as a dominant force in the footballing world.
6. Simone Inzaghi
Simone Inzaghi, the 48-year-old Italian tactician from Piacenza, has solidified his reputation as one of the most astute managers in football by leading Inter Milan to the Serie A title this year. His remarkable achievements were duly recognized, earning him accolades such as the Serie A Most Valuable Coach, Serie A Coach of the Year, and the prestigious Enzo Bearzot Award. Additionally, he was named Serie A Coach of the Month twice in this stellar campaign.
Inter Milan’s recent form has been equally impressive. Under Inzaghi’s leadership, Inter have displayed tactical brilliance and consistency, qualities that he hopes to sustain as they strive to assert their dominance in Italian football for seasons to come.
5. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola, a name synonymous with tactical brilliance and footballing excellence, continues to be one of the most revered managers in modern football. Despite facing a challenging phase with Manchester City‘s recent series of defeats, his reputation as a mastermind remains unscathed. Guardiola’s extraordinary achievements this year underscore his unwavering influence in the sport.
Under his stewardship, Manchester City clinched yet another Premier League title, adding to his storied legacy. However, his quest to retain the UEFA Champions League was thwarted by Real Madrid, marking a rare setback in an otherwise stellar year. Additionally, he guided City to victory in the FA Community Shield, further enriching the club’s silverware cabinet.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Guardiola was honoured with both the LMA Premier League Manager of the Year and the Premier League Manager of the Season awards. As he navigates this difficult period, Guardiola remains focused on revitalizing his side, aiming to propel Manchester City back to the summit of English football with characteristic determination and ingenuity.
4. Lionel Scaloni
Lionel Scaloni, often hailed as Argentina’s golden tactician, has further cemented his legacy by guiding the national team to another illustrious title, clinching the Copa America this year. Having already delivered the ultimate triumph with the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Scaloni’s leadership continues to shine on the global stage.
The recipient of the 2022 FIFA Best Men’s Coach Award, Scaloni boasts an impressive win percentage of nearly 70% since taking charge of La Albiceleste. Known for his strategic brilliance and calm demeanour, he is deeply inspired by Carlo Ancelotti, a mentor whose philosophies resonate in Scaloni’s approach to the game.
The Argentine press, enamoured by his transformative leadership, affectionately dubbed the team “La Scaloneta,” symbolizing a well-oiled machine under his guidance. Looking ahead, Scaloni remains committed to nurturing Argentina’s next generation of footballing talent, ensuring they carry forward the nation’s proud legacy and ascend to greatness on the global stage.
3. Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti, a managerial maestro and the reigning UEFA Champions League-winning coach, has crafted a career that epitomizes excellence. Having helmed some of the world’s most illustrious clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton, Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid in 2021 to script yet another golden chapter.
His second tenure at Los Blancos has been nothing short of stellar. Under his guidance, Real Madrid secured a remarkable haul of trophies last season, including the La Liga title, the Supercopa de España, the UEFA Super Cup, and, most notably, the UEFA Champions League, reaffirming their supremacy on the global stage.
While Real Madrid currently faces a challenging phase, Ancelotti’s unparalleled experience and adaptability make him the ideal figure to steer the team back to dominance. His enduring legacy as a transformative leader ensures that Los Blancos remain a formidable force in Spanish and European football.
2. Luis de la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente, the 63-year-old Spanish tactician from Haro, has truly etched his name in history with his unparalleled achievements, particularly with the Spanish national team. His remarkable journey began with a focus on nurturing youth talent, and his legacy took a monumental leap when he led Spain’s senior squad to the UEFA Euro Championship, winning every match in the tournament and maintaining a flawless record.
De la Fuente’s commitment to Spanish football is evident from his entire managerial career highlights, which has been dedicated solely to managing Spanish clubs and national teams. After taking the helm of Spain’s U19 team in 2013, he worked tirelessly to develop future stars, believing deeply in the grassroots philosophy. His appointment to the senior Spain national team in 2022 was met with skepticism, but de la Fuente rose to the challenge. He not only revived Spain on the global stage but also delivered a triumph in the UEFA Nations League, laying the foundation for further success.
1. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso, undeniably the finest coach of 2024, rightfully claims the top spot on our list. The Spanish tactician from Tolosa has etched his name into the annals of football history with an extraordinary feat, leading Bayer Leverkusen to a historic domestic double and an unbeaten season. Under his stewardship, Leverkusen triumphed in the Bundesliga, clinched the DFB Pokal, and secured the DFL Super Cup, marking an unforgettable chapter in the club’s history. Their only defeat in the 2023/24 season came in the final of the Europa League.
Alonso’s tactical brilliance and leadership earned him widespread acclaim, as he was crowned Football Manager of the Year in Germany, Globe Soccer Best Coach of the Year, and VDV Bundesliga Coach of the Season. His exceptional achievements have transformed Leverkusen into one of the most formidable teams in German football, and as he looks to the future, Alonso will undoubtedly aim to maintain and build upon this dominance, continuing to shape the club’s legacy in the years to come.
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