As football continues to evolve, so does the role of the manager. In 2025, the best coaches in the world are those who blend tactical innovation, man-management, and adaptability to keep their teams competing at the highest level. From club football to international management, this is our take at the 20 best managers right now.
20. Rúben Amorim – Manchester United
Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com
Rúben Amorim’s move to Manchester United was met with high expectations after his success at Sporting CP. However, his start at Old Trafford has been difficult. United’s squad lacks depth and quality in key areas, making his tactical philosophy hard to implement. If given time and the right reinforcements, Amorim could still turn things around, but the pressure is mounting.
19. Enzo Maresca – Chelsea
daykung / Shutterstock.com
Enzo Maresca is still in the early stages of his Chelsea tenure, but his structured, possession-based approach has brought some stability to a previously chaotic team. Chelsea’s inconsistency remains a problem, but Maresca has made progress in developing young talents and instilling a clearer tactical identity.
Luis de la Fuente has quietly built a strong and disciplined Spain squad. His tactical approach emphasizes pressing and structured possession, making Spain a formidable opponent in international tournaments. Under his leadership, Spain remains a strong contender for upcoming competitions.
At Juventus, Thiago Motta has introduced a fluid and dynamic tactical system, focusing on quick transitions and midfield dominance. His ability to adapt formations based on opponents has made Juventus a more unpredictable team. If he continues on this trajectory, he could establish himself as one of Europe’s elite coaches.
16. Luciano Spalletti – Italy
Antonio Balasco / Shutterstock.com
After leading Napoli to the Serie A title, Luciano Spalletti took charge of the Italian national team. His tactical intelligence and experience have helped Italy become more aggressive in attack while maintaining defensive solidity. He is expected to lead Italy into a new era of success.
15. Julian Nagelsmann – Germany
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com
Germany’s national team under Julian Nagelsmann is still a work in progress. However, his attacking principles and tactical flexibility make Germany an exciting team to watch. With Euro 2024 behind him, Nagelsmann’s focus is now on refining his squad for the next World Cup.
14. Thomas Tuchel – England
daykung / Shutterstock.com
Tuchel’s appointment as England manager raised eyebrows, but his defensive organization has made England more resilient. His main challenge is balancing defensive stability with attacking efficiency. If he succeeds, England could finally break their major tournament curse.
Deschamps remains a pillar of consistency for France. His ability to manage star-studded squads and extract results has kept France at the top of international football. His pragmatic approach ensures France remains a dominant force in every competition.
12. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain
Maxisport / Shutterstock.com
At PSG, Luis Enrique has faced the challenge of implementing a high-intensity pressing system in a squad historically built around individual brilliance. While the team has been inconsistent, his tactical philosophy is starting to take shape, and PSG could become a more balanced and disciplined side under his leadership.
11. Lionel Scaloni – Argentina
Imaxe Press / Shutterstock.com
Scaloni’s legacy as the coach who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 remains intact. He continues to build a squad capable of defending their title, blending experience with emerging talents to keep Argentina at the top of international football.
10. Unai Emery – Aston Villa
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa into a well-drilled, tactically disciplined team. His meticulous match preparations and deep tactical knowledge have elevated Villa into serious contenders for European football. His ability to get the best out of his squad has made him one of the most respected coaches in the Premier League.
Hansi Flick’s arrival at Barcelona has introduced a more direct and aggressive playing style. Drawing from his experience at Bayern Munich, he has modernized Barcelona’s approach while staying true to their possession-based philosophy. Consistency remains an issue, but Barcelona’s future looks bright under Flick.
8. Jürgen Klopp – Head of Global Soccer, Red Bull GmbH
MDI / Shutterstock.com
Jürgen Klopp may have stepped away from club management, but his impact on football remains immense. As Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, he oversees multiple clubs, including RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, shaping their tactical philosophy and player development strategies. His experience in high-intensity pressing and squad building ensures that Red Bull’s teams remain competitive across different leagues. Klopp is still deeply involved in coaching methodology, advising managers within the Red Bull system and influencing the next generation of football tacticians
7. Diego Simeone – Atlético Madrid
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com
Diego Simeone remains one of the most respected managers in Europe. His defensive organization and relentless work ethic continue to define Atlético Madrid. Despite evolving his tactics in recent years to incorporate a more attacking style, Simeone’s core principles of discipline and resilience remain unchanged.
6. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
MDI / Shutterstock.com
Arteta has turned Arsenal into a well-oiled, possession-based side capable of competing for the Premier League title. His tactical flexibility and ability to develop young players have made Arsenal one of the most exciting teams in England. The next step for Arteta is converting strong performances into major trophies.
Xabi Alonso has quickly established himself as one of football’s brightest managerial talents. His Bayer Leverkusen side is tactically fluid, disciplined, and dynamic in attack. His success has attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, and it’s only a matter of time before he takes on a top-tier managerial job.
4. Simone Inzaghi – Inter Milan
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com
Inzaghi has led Inter Milan to consistent success, balancing attacking football with defensive stability. His ability to rotate his squad while maintaining high performance levels has made Inter one of the strongest teams in Serie A. He is now regarded as one of Italy’s top coaches.
3. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
Maxisport / Shutterstock.com
Guardiola remains one of the greatest tactical minds in football, constantly evolving Manchester City’s playing style. His team continues to dominate with their possession-based philosophy, and his ability to reinvent his squad ensures City remains at the top of European football. His tactical innovations keep him firmly among the elite.
2. Arne Slot – Liverpool
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com
Arne Slot has made an immediate impact at Liverpool. His high-intensity pressing system and tactical adaptability have rejuvenated the team following Klopp’s departure. His ability to seamlessly transition Liverpool into a new era while keeping them competitive makes him one of the best managers in the world right now.
At number one is Carlo Ancelotti, who continues to prove why he is one of the greatest managers of all time. His ability to manage egos, adapt tactics, and consistently deliver results makes him the best in the world right now. Under his leadership, Real Madrid remains the gold standard in European football, blending experience and youth to dominate both domestically and internationally.
