Football management has never been more demanding. In today’s game, top coaches aren’t just responsible for tactics and team selection—they’re also dealing with the pressures of European competition, squad rotation, transfer strategies, and the constant expectations from fans and club owners. The 2024–25 season has been no different, with managers across the world making headlines for their successes, struggles, and everything in between.
Some coaches have dominated their leagues, winning titles with well-drilled, high-performing squads. Others have masterminded deep Champions League runs, proving their tactical brilliance against the best teams in Europe. And then there are those who have transformed struggling clubs, overachieving with limited resources and earning respect for their ability to build something special.
This ranking looks at the 12 best football coaches right now based on their performances this season. We’re not just considering their trophy count, but also their impact on their teams, tactical influence, and ability to get results when it matters most. Some names on this list are household figures who have been at the top for years, while others are newer faces making a big impact on the global stage.
12. Pep Guardiola ( Manchester City)
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City finds itself in an uncharacteristic fifth position in the Premier League, amassing 47 points and sharing this tally with Newcastle United.
This precarious standing threatens their streak of consecutive UEFA Champions League qualifications, a consistent achievement since the 2010–11 season.
Compounding their domestic challenges, City’s European campaign was cut short as they failed to progress beyond the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. This early exit, a rarity in recent years, has intensified scrutiny on the team’s performance and strategic direction under Guardiola’s management.
11. Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
Diego Simeone’s tenure at Atlético Madrid continues to reflect his tactical acumen and motivational prowess.
Atlético lose to Real Madrid on controversial penalty shootout , they aim to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg as they scored early.. In La Liga, Atlético is engaged in a competitive battle for a top-four finish, demonstrating resilience and strategic discipline under Simeone’s guidance.
10. Nuno Espírito Santo (Nottingham Forest FC)
Under Nuno Espírito Santo’s leadership, Nottingham Forest has experienced a remarkable transformation during the 2024–25 Premier League season. As of March 2025, they occupy third place in the league standings, a position that underscores their significant improvement. A highlight of their season was the emphatic 7–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on February 1, 2025, marking their largest Premier League win to date.
In domestic cup competitions, Forest reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, demonstrating their competitive edge under Espírito Santo’s guidance. However, their journey in the EFL Cup concluded earlier, with an exit in the second round. Notably, Forest did not participate in European competitions this season, as they did not qualify for the UEFA Champions League or Europa League in the previous season.
9. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC)
Despite facing injuries in the front line , Mikel arteta stand his ground both in Champion league and the premier legaue .
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is currently second in the Premier League, showcasing a blend of youth development and tactical flexibility. In the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal has advanced to the Quater final , marking a significant return to Europe’s elite competition.
8. Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan)
Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan maintains its status as a top contender in Serie A, currently occupying first place. In the Champions League, Inter has progressed to the Quater final , demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen.
Domestically, they have reached the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, indicating a strong campaign across all competitions.
7. Antonio Conte (SSC Napoli)
Antonio Conte has transformed Napoli into a dominant force in Serie A, leading the league with an impressive win rate.
Despite the absence of European football this season, Conte’s focus on domestic competitions has paid dividends. Napoli has also reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, showcasing their ambition to secure domestic silverware.
6. Xabi Alonso (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has been marked by tactical innovation and competitive performances.
The team is currently third in the Bundesliga, maintaining a strong league position. In the Champions League, Leverkusen has advanced to the Round of 16, reflecting their competitiveness on the European stage. Domestically, they have reached the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal, indicating a well-rounded campaign across all fronts.
5. Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
Bayern currently sit first in the Bundesliga and remain strong contenders for the title. In the Champions League, they have advanced to Quater final , showcasing Kompany’s ability to manage at the highest level.
Despite facing early challenges, Kompany’s tactical approach—focused on possession-based play and aggressive pressing—has shown promise, and his Bayern side remains in contention for major honors this season.
4. Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Luis Enrique has effectively managed PSG, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a hard-fought victory over Liverpool, decided by a penalty shootout. In Ligue 1, PSG is in a tight title race, currently leading the table but closely contested by AS Monaco.
Domestically, they have advanced to the Coupe de France semi-finals, reflecting their ambition to secure multiple trophies this season.
3. Arne Slot (Liverpool FC)
Arne Slot has revitalized Liverpool FC since his appointment. The team is currently leading the Premier League, displaying a remarkable win rate and offensive prowess. In the Champions League, Liverpool faced a challenging Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain, which concluded with a 1-1 aggregate score.
The match was decided by a penalty shootout, where PSG emerged victorious. Despite this setback, Slot expressed pride in his team’s performance and resilience. Additionally, Liverpool is set to compete in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, although they will be without key player Trent Alexander-Arnold due to an ankle injury sustained in the match against PSG.
2. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
Carlo Ancelotti continues to demonstrate his managerial prowess with Real Madrid. The team is currently second in La Liga, level on points with Barcelona but trailing due to goal difference. In the Champions League, Real Madrid has secured a spot in the quarter-finals, showcasing their resilience and tactical flexibility. Domestically, they have progressed to the Copa del Rey semi-finals, reflecting their consistent performance across all competitions.
1. Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona)
Under Hansi Flick’s leadership, FC Barcelona has been in exceptional form this season. They currently lead La Liga, tied on points with Real Madrid but ahead on goal difference, making the title race one of the tightest in recent years.
In the Champions League, Barcelona advanced to the quarter-finals after a 3-1 victory over Benfica, extending their unbeaten run to 17 matches across all competitions.
Additionally, they have reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals and are set to face Atlético Madrid in the second leg after a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg.
