The 10 best soccer managers of all time

In football, the role of the manager is undeniable. They are not only leaders on the field but also strategists who bring stability and success to teams. From team building and tactics to mental and financial management, excellent managers not only need to have a solid knowledge of football but also must be able to lead and shape the future of their clubs. In the following article, let’s explore with King Soccer Tips the list of the 10 best soccer managers of all time, those who have left a deep mark in the history of this great sport.

The 10 best soccer managers ever

1. Sir Alexander Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson, born 31 December 1941, is a Scottish former football player and manager. He played a key role in turning Manchester United into one of the greatest football clubs in England’s history, with 20 league titles.  On 12 June 1999, Ferguson was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his contributions to domestic football.

Ferguson is considered one of the greatest and best soccer managers in history. If “Four Two” is correct: “He topped the ‘Four Two’ list of the 100 best coaches of all time. As one of the icons of the 20th century and a pioneer in football, Sir Alex Ferguson continued to lead Manchester United until 2013.

2. Bill Shankly

Bill Shankly is one of the best soccer managers. During the 1960s and 1970s, he took Liverpool Football Club to new heights, turning them into one of the greatest teams in English football. His time leading Liverpool was marked by success and flourishing, during which a winning spirit and culture of excellence were established and nurtured.

Under Shankly’s direction, Liverpool experienced great success, winning many titles and dominating English football. His tactical talent and ability to motivate and recognize talent have helped Liverpool achieve more success.  One of Shankly’s most notable achievements was helping Liverpool gain promotion to the First Division in 1962, just two years after he took over the club. This marked the beginning of Liverpool’s great era in English football.

3. Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola was born on 18 January 1971 and is a legend in the football world. A former player and current Spanish football coach, Guardiola is working with Manchester City, where he has built an impressive and modern football empire.  With a reputation as one of the best soccer managers of all time, Guardiola has set records for the number of consecutive wins in La Liga, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League.

After ending his playing career, Pep began coaching at Barcelona B, where he quickly won the Tercera División championship before moving on to lead the first team in 2008. In his first season in this position, he led Barcelona to a historic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. His achievements have cemented his status as one of the best soccer managers of his generation.

4. Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho began his managerial career as an assistant to Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona before finding his path and becoming famous at Porto. Mourinho has enjoyed considerable success, winning two UEFA Champions League titles, one with Porto and one with Inter Milan. He is revered as a legend at Inter Milan, having led the team to an unprecedented treble. Mourinho’s management ability transcends borders, as he has won domestic championships in four different countries: the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Primeira Liga.

Furthermore, Mourinho is also famous for being the first coach in history to win all three major UEFA club tournaments: the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA Europa Conference League. His illustrious managerial career was characterized by his tactical acumen, motivational skills, and winning mentality, cementing his status as one of the best soccer managers of all time.

5. Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti was born on June 10, 1959, and is an Italian former professional football player, currently the head coach of the Real Madrid club. He is the only coach to have won the UEFA Champions League four times, twice with AC Milan and twice with Real Madrid.

In addition, he is also the first coach to reach five Champions League finals. Ancelotti has also won the FIFA Club World Cup three times as a coach, with successes at both Milan and Real Madrid. Notably, he is one of only seven individuals to have won the UEFA Champions League as both a player and a coach.

Widely regarded as one of the best soccer managers of all time, Ancelotti’s illustrious career is characterized by his tactical acumen, man-management skills, and ability to achieve success at the highest level of the sport. This victory marked Ancelotti’s immediate impact on his return to the club, confirming his reputation as one of the most successful managers in football history.

6. Sir Bobby Robson

Sir Bobby Robson’s legacy in English football is a story of remarkable talent and success, from being an outstanding player to a great manager. His impact spans decades, marked by outstanding achievements in the field and management.

Bobby Robson began his career at Fulham and then moved to West Bromwich Albion, where he developed into a key player. His technical versatility, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities on the field were notable characteristics of his playing career. However, it is Robson’s management career that truly stands out, with brilliant successes and a significant impact on English football history.

7. Vicente del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque González, born December 23, 1950, is a legend of Spanish football, with a successful career both as a player and a coach. He is widely known for his role as the head coach of the Spanish national team from 2008 to 2016, along with his time leading Real Madrid from 1999 to 2003.

At Real Madrid, where he has been since 1999, del Bosque has carved his mark in the club’s history. During four seasons leading the team, he and his players brought great success, including two UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and many other important titles.

8. Joachim Low

Joachim Löw, born February 3, 1960, is one of the best soccer managers in the world, with a successful career both on the field and on the coaching bench. He coached the German national team from 2006 to 2021, achieving many records and great accomplishments.

Under Löw’s leadership, Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, marking a new chapter in the team’s history. In addition, he led the German team to win the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. The attacking style and cohesion of the players under his watch renewed the image of the German team on the international stage, making them one of the most formidable opponents.

9. Luiz Felipe Scolari

Luiz Felipe Scolari, born November 9, 1948, is one of the best soccer managers, known for his Brazilian heritage and extensive coaching experience. He is recognized for leading the Brazilian national team to victory at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was one of the greatest successes of his career.

After his playing career, Scolari quickly transitioned into a coaching role. He started at CSA, and in his first season, he helped the club reach the Alagoano state championship. The success continued as he led a series of other teams such as Juventude, Brasil de Pelotas, and Al-Shabab. The pinnacle of his coaching career came when he coached Grêmio and won the Gaúcho state championship in that year.

10. Arrigo Sacchi

Arrigo Sacchi is an Italian football manager, frequently compared to Johan Cruyff for his innovative approach to the game. However, Sacchi’s coaching philosophy and tactical style are different from the Dutch legend. Sacchi is famous for creating strong structures in defense, imposing high pressure, and fostering team spirit. His revolutionary tactics have earned him a place among the best soccer managers ever.

He believes that having a well-organized defense and a cohesive team is the most important factor in winning, and works hard to restore possession and execute quick counter-attacks. Unlike Cruyff’s Total Force philosophy, which focused on flexibility, creativity, and positional interchange, Sacchi’s system was built on rigidity and discipline.

Conclusion

In the world of football, the role of the manager cannot be denied. They are not only commanders of the team but also leaders, tactical consultants, and inspirers for the team. The best soccer managers are not only successful in winning titles but are also the ones who create lasting legacies, have far-reaching impacts, and help change the identity of the sport. Hopefully, by looking back at these legends, we can feel their power and influence in football history!

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