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. 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 semi-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.
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. Antonio Conte (SSC Napoli)
Antonio Conte has transformed Napoli into a dominant force in Serie A, currently sitting second in the league, just three points behind Inter Milan.
Despite the absence of European football this season, Conte’s focus on the league has paid off, as they remain strong contenders for the title.
9. 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 reached the Round of 16 before being knocked out by Bayern Munich.
8. Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich currently sit first in the Bundesliga and remain strong contenders for the title. In the Champions League, they reached the quarter-finals but were knocked out by Inter Milan. While questions remain about Vincent Kompany’s ability to manage at the highest level, he has shown promise and is still considered one of the standout managers this season.
Despite early challenges, Kompany’s tactical approach, centred on possession-based football and aggressive pressing, has begun to take shape, keeping Bayern in the hunt for major honours.
7. 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 semifinal and will face FC Barcelona an encounter that will not be easy for both clubs, the Italian coach is very underrated, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen.
Domestically, they have reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, indicating a strong campaign across all competitions.
6. Pep Guardiola ( Manchester City)
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City find themselves in an uncharacteristic fifth position in the Premier League, having amassed 55 points.
This precarious standing threatens their long-standing streak of UEFA Champions League qualifications—an achievement they’ve maintained since the 2010–11 season.
Adding to their domestic struggles, City’s European campaign was cut short as they failed to progress beyond the Champions League playoffs. This early exit, a rare occurrence in recent years, has intensified scrutiny on the team’s performance and the strategic direction under Guardiola’s leadership.
5. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
Carlo Ancelotti continues to demonstrate his managerial prowess with Real Madrid. The team currently sits second in La Liga, just four points behind league leaders Barcelona.
In the Champions League, Real Madrid were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal—a tie in which the Gunners dominated. However, that result does not diminish Ancelotti’s tactical brilliance this season. His side has consistently shown resilience and flexibility across competitions.
Domestically, Real Madrid have reached the Copa del Rey final and remain firmly in the race for the La Liga title, determined to push until the end.
4. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC)
Despite facing injuries in the front line, Mikel Arteta has stood his ground in both the Champions League and the Premier League, pushing to win both competitions—even as Liverpool appear to be clear favourites. The Gunners defeated Spanish giants Real Madrid 5–1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals, thanks to Arteta’s tactical brilliance and standout individual performances.
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League, showcasing a blend of youth development and tactical versatility. In the UEFA Champions League, they have advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain.
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 the setback, Slot expressed pride in his team’s performance and resilience. After losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United, Liverpool are now fully focused on the Premier League title race.
2. Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Luis Enrique has effectively managed PSG, transforming them into an incredible team to watch; scoring goals, pressing high, dribbling with flair, and showcasing fluid attacking football. He has guided them to the semi-finals of the Champions League after a hard-fought victory over Aston Villa.
In Ligue 1, PSG are in a tight title race, but they currently lead the table by a significant margin and have already been declared champions. Domestically, they have also advanced to the Coupe de France final, underlining their ambition to secure multiple trophies this season.
1. Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona)
Under Hansi Flick’s leadership, FC Barcelona have been in exceptional form this season, becoming the team everyone fears to play against. They currently lead La Liga, four points clear of 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 semi-finals after a victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Additionally, they have already won the Spanish Super Cup and reached the Copa del Rey final, where they are set to face Real Madrid at the end of April.
