Most top football clubs seek fresh managerial talent, but they often rely on experienced coaches in their 40s or 50s. However, some young managers are already proving their worth and could soon take charge of Europe’s biggest clubs.
List of Best Soccer Coaches of All Time
10. Will Still – Reims
Will Still, born in Belgium to English parents, became one of the youngest best soccer coaches in Europe when he took over Reims at just 30 years old. His rise in football began as a video analyst and later as an assistant coach, before finally being appointed head coach. Despite his lack of a proper coaching license, Reims backed him, and he went on to guide the club to a 17-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1. This achievement proves his tactical brilliance and solid leadership skills.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Reims | 29 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 44.8% | 17-game unbeaten run |
| 2023-24 | Reims | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 55.6% | 6th in Ligue 1 |
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9. Francesco Farioli – Nice
Unlike most managers, Francesco Farioli never played professional football but became one of the best soccer coaches due to his strategic approach. He first gained recognition in Turkey with Alanyaspor, where his attacking style caught the eye. In 2023, he moved to Nice, where his tactics made the team unbeaten in Ligue 1 and led them to victories against top clubs like PSG and Monaco.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Karagümrük | 24 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 41.7% | Solid mid-table finish |
| 2022-23 | Alanyaspor | 36 | 14 | 9 | 13 | 38.9% | 9th in Super Lig |
| 2023-24 | Nice | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 66.7% | Unbeaten start in Ligue 1 |
8. Sebastian Hoeness – Stuttgart
Sebastian Hoeness, the nephew of Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeness, has made a name for himself as one of the best soccer coaches in the Bundesliga. He took over Stuttgart in 2023 when they were facing relegation and led them to safety, followed by an impressive 2nd place in the Bundesliga standings.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Hoffenheim | 45 | 17 | 12 | 16 | 37.8% | Mid-table finish |
| 2022-23 | Stuttgart | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 50.0% | Bundesliga survival |
| 2023-24 | Stuttgart | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 77.8% | 2nd in Bundesliga |
7. Xabi Alonso – Bayer Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso is quickly establishing himself as one of the best soccer coaches in Europe. After taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, he turned around their fortunes, leading them to the top of the Bundesliga and a spot in the Europa League semifinals. His tactical insight and leadership have been crucial to his team’s success.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Bayer Leverkusen | 43 | 22 | 10 | 11 | 51.2% | Europa League semifinal |
| 2023-24 | Bayer Leverkusen | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 88.9% | Bundesliga leader |
6. Arne Slot – Feyenoord
Arne Slot is one of the best soccer coaches to come out of the Netherlands in recent years. Known for his fast-paced, high-pressing football, Slot led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title and a Conference League final. His work at AZ Alkmaar also earned him the distinction of having one of the best points-per-game ratios in the league’s history.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | AZ Alkmaar | 26 | 18 | 7 | 1 | 69.2% | Club record points/game |
| 2021-22 | Feyenoord | 56 | 32 | 12 | 12 | 57.1% | Conference League final |
| 2022-23 | Feyenoord | 43 | 31 | 7 | 5 | 72.1% | Eredivisie title |
5. Graham Potter – Chelsea
Graham Potter has been one of the most promising best soccer coaches in recent English football history. After turning Brighton into a competitive Premier League team, Potter’s reputation grew, and he was appointed Chelsea’s head coach in 2022. His possession-based football and ability to develop young talent make him a standout.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Brighton | 38 | 9 | 14 | 15 | 23.7% | Mid-table finish |
| 2021-22 | Brighton | 38 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 31.6% | Solid mid-table finish |
| 2022-23 | Chelsea | 29 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 41.4% | Improved squad performance |
| 2023-24 | Chelsea | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 40.0% | Early struggles at Chelsea |
4. Julian Nagelsmann– Bayern Munich
Julian Nagelsmann, known for his innovative tactics and youthful energy, is among the best soccer coaches in Europe. He led RB Leipzig to a Champions League semifinal and transformed Bayern Munich into a dynamic team. His versatility and tactical flexibility make him one of the most exciting young coaches in the world.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | RB Leipzig | 42 | 25 | 6 | 11 | 59.5% | Champions League semifinal |
| 2020-21 | RB Leipzig | 41 | 23 | 6 | 12 | 56.1% | 2nd in Bundesliga |
| 2021-22 | Bayern Munich | 46 | 36 | 5 | 5 | 78.3% | Bundesliga title |
| 2022-23 | Bayern Munich | 34 | 22 | 4 | 8 | 64.7% | Champions League quarterfinal |
3. Erik ten Hag – Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has become one of the best soccer coaches in England, known for his disciplined tactical setups and ability to manage top-tier talent. After transforming Ajax into European contenders, he continued his success at Manchester United, where he has already improved the club’s performances in the Premier League and Champions League.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Ajax | 56 | 34 | 9 | 13 | 60.7% | Eredivisie title, 4th in UCL |
| 2018-19 | Ajax | 57 | 38 | 9 | 10 | 66.7% | Champions League semifinal |
| 2022-23 | Manchester United | 53 | 27 | 8 | 18 | 50.9% | FA Cup final, UEL knockout |
| 2023-24 | Manchester United | 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 50.0% | Improving squad performance |
2. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
Pep Guardiola remains one of the most highly regarded best soccer coaches in the world. His work at Barcelona revolutionized the game, and he has continued to shape Manchester City into a dominant force in English and European football with a style that combines fluid possession and high pressing.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | Barcelona | 60 | 43 | 10 | 7 | 71.7% | 6 trophies, UCL title |
| 2013-14 | Bayern Munich | 53 | 37 | 7 | 9 | 69.8% | Bundesliga title |
| 2016-17 | Manchester City | 61 | 44 | 10 | 7 | 72.1% | Premier League title |
| 2021-22 | Manchester City | 62 | 36 | 8 | 18 | 58.1% | Premier League title, FA Cup |
| 2022-23 | Manchester City | 60 | 38 | 8 | 14 | 63.3% | Treble winner (UCL, PL, FA Cup) |
1. Jürgen Klopp – Liverpool
Jürgen Klopp is widely regarded as one of the best soccer coaches of the modern era. Known for his high-intensity, high-pressing football, Klopp has taken Liverpool to new heights, winning the Champions League and Premier League. His charisma and tactical genius have made him a beloved figure at Anfield and one of the most influential coaches in world football.
| Season | Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | Liverpool | 63 | 31 | 16 | 16 | 49.2% | EFL Cup final, Europa League final |
| 2017-18 | Liverpool | 59 | 34 | 9 | 16 | 57.6% | UCL final, 4th in PL |
| 2018-19 | Liverpool | 63 | 40 | 8 | 15 | 63.5% | Champions League winner |
| 2019-20 | Liverpool | 61 | 44 | 8 | 9 | 72.1% | Premier League title |
| 2020-21 | Liverpool | 60 | 33 | 8 | 19 | 55.0% | Top 4 finish in PL |
Conclusion
These best soccer coaches under 45 are already proving their talent at the highest level. With innovative tactics and strong leadership, they could soon manage Europe’s biggest clubs.
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