Not every great football manager had a stellar playing career. Some of the most brilliant tactical minds in the game never played professionally but still reached the pinnacle of coaching. Here’s a look at 12 of the best managers who made a name for themselves without having played at the highest level.
12. Jorge Sampaoli
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Jorge Sampaoli made a name for himself with his intense, high-pressing style. The Argentine manager gained recognition with Chile, leading them to their first-ever Copa América title in 2015. He later coached Argentina at the 2018 World Cup and managed clubs like Sevilla, Santos, and Olympique de Marseille. His aggressive tactics and attacking philosophy have made him a respected figure in modern football.
11. Brendan Rodgers
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Brendan Rodgers started his coaching journey at Chelsea’s academy before stepping into management. He impressed with Swansea City, leading them to the Premier League, and later took charge of Liverpool, where he came close to winning the title in 2014. His most notable success came at Celtic, where he won multiple Scottish league titles and trebles. At Leicester City, he won the FA Cup in 2021, cementing his reputation as a top manager.
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Avram Grant is best known for taking Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Manchester United. The Israeli manager also had spells at Portsmouth, West Ham, and the Ghanaian national team. While he never lifted a major trophy at club level, his tactical nous and ability to steady teams in crisis earned him a strong reputation in the football world.
Despite being one of the youngest elite coaches, Julian Nagelsmann has already managed top clubs like Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich. He became Bayern’s manager at just 33 years old and won the Bundesliga in his first season. Known for his tactical versatility and innovative approach, Nagelsmann is now in charge of the German national team, tasked with reviving their fortunes ahead of Euro 2024.
8. Maurizio Sarri
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Maurizio Sarri’s journey to top-level football was unique—he worked as a banker before turning to coaching. After years in Italy’s lower leagues, he gained recognition at Napoli, where his exciting, possession-based style made them title contenders. He later won the Europa League with Chelsea in 2019 and secured a Serie A title with Juventus in 2020. Currently at Lazio, Sarri remains one of the best tactical minds in the game.
7. André Villas-Boas
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Often compared to José Mourinho due to his Porto background, André Villas-Boas won the Primeira Liga and Europa League with Porto in 2011 before moving to Chelsea. Though his tenure at Stamford Bridge was short-lived, he found success at Zenit Saint Petersburg, winning the Russian league. Villas-Boas later managed Tottenham and Olympique de Marseille, where his analytical approach continued to make an impact.
6. Gérard Houllier
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The late Gérard Houllier was instrumental in modernizing French football. He managed PSG, Lyon, and most notably Liverpool, where he won an FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup treble in 2001. His tactical discipline and ability to rebuild teams earned him widespread respect. Houllier’s legacy extends beyond trophies, as he also played a key role in developing future French football stars.
One of the few managers to win the World Cup without playing professionally, Carlos Alberto Parreira led Brazil to glory in 1994. His extensive career included managing national teams such as Kuwait, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Known for his pragmatic approach, Parreira remains one of the most accomplished international managers in football history.
4. Arrigo Sacchi
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A true football revolutionary, Arrigo Sacchi transformed AC Milan in the late 1980s with his high-pressing and fluid attacking football. His Milan side, featuring legends like Marco van Basten and Franco Baresi, won back-to-back European Cups in 1989 and 1990. Sacchi later coached Italy to the 1994 World Cup final and remains one of the most influential tactical minds in football.
3. Thomas Frank
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Thomas Frank has earned widespread praise for his work at Brentford, guiding the club from the Championship to a stable Premier League side. The Danish manager started his career in youth coaching before making his mark in England with his data-driven and adaptable approach. While he has yet to win major silverware, his ability to develop players and maximize team potential has made him one of the most respected coaches in modern football.
2. Roy Hodgson
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With a managerial career spanning over four decades, Roy Hodgson has coached in multiple countries, including Sweden, Switzerland, England, and Italy. He managed the English national team and clubs like Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Inter Milan. Hodgson’s tactical knowledge and adaptability have allowed him to stay relevant in top-level football for an astonishingly long time.
Thomas Tuchel tops this list as the best manager who never played professionally. After early coaching roles at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, he gained international recognition at PSG, winning multiple league titles. His greatest achievement came at Chelsea, where he won the 2021 Champions League. Now the head coach of England’s national team, Tuchel’s tactical flexibility and leadership make him one of the most respected coaches in world football today.
