Top five best football managers of 2024

The manager is undoubtedly one of the most pivotal individuals in a football team's progression, as they not only direct the tactical strategy but also play a crucial role in cultivating the team's morale and identity. In 2024, we witnessed a wave of remarkable managerial appointments, with both newcomers and seasoned veterans making their mark. 

This article examines the managerial geniuses of 2024, whose strategic acumen and forward-thinking leadership have elevated their teams to remarkable levels of success. From Xabi Alonso’s remarkable achievements with Bayer Leverkusen to Carlo Ancelotti’s consistent supremacy  with Real Madrid, these coaches have demonstrated how far sheer tactical genius and belief in their teams can take them.

Let’s look at the top five football managers of 2024, whose paths reflect their unparalleled expertise and capacity to motivate excellence.

5. Pep Guardiola

Known for his tactical genius and outstanding football skills, Pep Guardiola remains one of the most admired managers in contemporary football. Although Manchester City is currently experiencing a difficult period marked by a string of losses his reputation as a mastermind remains intact. Guardiola's remarkable accomplishments this year highlight his steadfast impact on the sport.

Under his leadership, Manchester City secured yet another Premier League championship, further enhancing his illustrious legacy.  However, his quest to retain the UEFA Champions League was thwarted by Real Madrid, marking a rare setback in an otherwise stellar year. He also led the team to triumph in the FA Community Shield, thereby enhancing the club's collection of trophies.

In acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions, Guardiola received the LMA Premier League Manager of the Year as well as the Premier League Manager of the Season award. As he navigates this challenging phase, Guardiola maintains his concentration on rejuvenating his team, with the objective of elevating Manchester City to the pinnacle of English football through his usual resolve and creativity.

4. Lionel Scaloni

Lionel Scaloni, frequently regarded as Argentina's master tactician, has solidified his legacy by leading the national team to yet another prestigious title, securing the Copa America this year. Scaloni's leadership remains prominent on the international stage, following the remarkable success achieved with the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

The 2022 FIFA Best Men’s Coach Award was awarded to Scaloni, who has achieved an impressive win percentage of almost 70% since assuming leadership of La Albiceleste. Recognized for his strategic acumen and composed nature, he draws significant inspiration from Carlo Ancelotti, a mentor whose principles align closely with Scaloni’s methodology in the sport.

The Argentine media, captivated by his transformative leadership, affectionately referred to the team as “La Scaloneta,” symbolizing a well-oiled machine under his guidance. Scaloni is dedicated to fostering the upcoming generation of football talent in Argentina, ensuring that they uphold the nation's esteemed legacy and strive for excellence on the international stage.

3. Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, a distinguished manager and the current coach who has secured the UEFA Champions League title, has built a career that exemplifies outstanding achievement. After managing several of the most prestigious football clubs globally, such as Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton, Ancelotti made his return to Real Madrid in 2021 to author yet another remarkable chapter in his career.

His second term at Los Blancos has been nothing less than exceptional. Under his leadership, Real Madrid achieved an impressive collection of trophies in the previous season, which encompassed the La Liga title, the Supercopa de España, the UEFA Super Cup, and, most significantly, the UEFA Champions League, thereby reaffirming their dominance on the international stage.

Real Madrid is presently undergoing a difficult period; however, Ancelotti's exceptional experience and flexibility position him as the perfect leader to guide the team towards regaining its former supremacy. His lasting impact as a transformative leader guarantees that Los Blancos continue to be a powerful presence in both Spanish and European football.

2. Luis de la Fuente

Luis de la Fuente, a 63-year-old strategist hailing from Haro, Spain, has indelibly marked his legacy through his exceptional accomplishments, especially in relation to the Spanish national team. His extraordinary journey commenced with an emphasis on developing young talent, and his legacy experienced a significant transformation when he guided Spain’s senior team to victory in the UEFA Euro Championship, achieving a perfect record by winning every match in the tournament.

De la Fuente's dedication to Spanish football is clearly reflected in his managerial career, which has been exclusively focused on overseeing Spanish clubs and national teams. Upon assuming leadership of Spain's U19 team in 2013, he dedicated himself to nurturing emerging talents, firmly adhering to the principles of grassroots development.

His selection for the senior Spain national team in 2022 was initially met with doubt; however, de la Fuente embraced the challenge and proved his capabilities. He not only restored Spain's prominence on the international stage but also achieved victory in the UEFA Nations League, establishing a basis for future accomplishments.

1. Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso, undoubtedly the premier coach of 2024, justifiably occupies the leading position on our list. The Spanish strategist hailing from Tolosa has secured his place in football history by achieving an exceptional milestone, guiding Bayer Leverkusen to a remarkable domestic double while maintaining an unbeaten season.

Under his leadership, Leverkusen achieved victory in the Bundesliga, won the DFB Pokal, and captured the DFL Super Cup, creating a remarkable era in the club's history. Their sole loss during the 2023/24 season occurred in the Europa League final.

Alonso's exceptional tactical acumen and leadership qualities garnered him significant recognition, culminating in his accolades as Football Manager of the Year in Germany, Globe Soccer Best Coach of the Year, and VDV Bundesliga Coach of the Season. His remarkable accomplishments have elevated Leverkusen to the status of one of the most powerful teams in German football. As he contemplates the future, Alonso will certainly strive to sustain and enhance this supremacy, further contributing to the club's legacy in the years ahead.

Cover Credits - Yahoo Sports