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 may 2025, they occupy seventh 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 first in the league, one points ahead of 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/Real Madrid) 🇪🇸
The new Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has been marked by tactical innovation and competitive performances.
The team is finished second 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 won the Bundesliga this season, edging out their rivals Leverkusen. 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 second place. In the Champions League, Inter has progressed to the final after beating FC Barcelona in an encounter that pleases all football fans, the Italian coach is very underrated, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen.
Domestically, they have reached the Coppa Italia finals, but got defeated by AC Milan.
6. Pep Guardiola ( Manchester City) 🇪🇸
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City find themselves in an uncharacteristic sixth position in the Premier League, having amassed 65 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/Brazil) 🇮🇹
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced that he will be joining the Brazilian national team at the end of the season after a trophyless season with Real Madrid. He finished second in La Liga.
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 consistently showed resilience and flexibility across competitions.
Domestically, Real Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final but lost to FC Barcelona in a closely contested match.
4. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC) 🇪🇸
Despite dealing with injuries in the front line, Mikel Arteta has held his ground in both the Champions League and the Premier League, pushing for success in both competitions. However, their European hopes were ended by PSG, and the league title was ultimately claimed by Liverpool.
The Gunners defeated Spanish giants Real Madrid 5–1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals, but their journey ended after home and away defeats to PSG in the semi-finals.
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League, showcasing a blend of youth development and tactical versatility.
3. Arne Slot (Liverpool FC) 🇳🇱
ne Slot has revitalised Liverpool FC since his appointment. The team won the Premier League, displaying a remarkable win rate and impressive attacking football.
In the Champions League, Liverpool faced a tough Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain, which ended 1–1 on aggregate. 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.
Although they lost the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United, the Premier League triumph remains a major achievement for the club.
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 finals of the Champions League after a hard-fought victory over Arsenal.
In Ligue 1, PSG has won the league, they 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 face. They won the LaLiga title after getting the better of their rivals, Real Madrid — defeating them four times this season: twice in the league and twice in the cup final.
In the Champions League, Barcelona advanced to the semi-finals after a victory over Borussia Dortmund but were eventually knocked out by Serie A giants.
Additionally, they have already secured the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. A domestic treble.
