Management is no easy lark. Zinedine Zidane may have made it look that way by strolling into Real Madrid and winning three straight Champions League titles, but for mere mortals it's a constant struggle of man-management, tactical brain-storming, media handling and more.To rank bosses based on their achievements is not an easy task, then: with so many nuances to take into consideration, there's no straightforwardway to define success (and therefore the bestfootball managers). Winning the Champions League is the pinnacle, but you're not going to do that with Burnley– so leading such a club to new heights should be considered appropriately.While this list leans heavily on achievements over the calendar year in 2018, there's a giant nod to overall class here too– one good (or bad) year should not define a career, after all. Some of the best managers here are well-known old-timers; others are among the most exciting up-and-comers on the planet. So delve in...Please note: We'll be revealing the rest of this list between now and Tuesday, October 30– so keep coming back to find out who's made the cut50. Brendan Rodgers (Celtic)When Mr Positivity said fans should be “alarmed” by the Hoops’ slow start, he was probably trying to inject some urgency into a club where he has made domestic life even easier than usual. Celtic scooped all three Scottish pots again, but in Europe – the real test – they fell two rounds short of the Champions League group stage.A rare foray into the Europa League’s later stages would restore Rodgers’ Magic Brendan aura, as would winning a historic ‘treble Treble’. – Huw Davies49. Simone Inzaghi (Lazio)He might not have been anywhere near as talented as his brother Pippo during their playing days, but Inzaghi is certainly overshadowing his sibling in the dugout.Unfortunate not to reach the Champions League last term, his Lazio side have become a team to be feared in Italy, earning some spectacular results with their exciting play. Tactically astute and particularly good at bringing the best from an attack led experly by Ciro Immobile, it would not be a surprise to see one of Italy’s bigger clubs poach Inzaghi Jnr very soon. – Adam Digby48. Ricardo Gareca (Peru)The former Argentina striker – once on Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar’s hit list – made a name for himself across South America, especially at Velez Sarsfield, but it’s his recent work for Peru which amazes.Not only did Gareca lead the rather modest squad to their first World Cup finals since 1982, he also implemented a fearless attacking mentality which ultimately lost outin the group stage, but won a lot of friends. Expect further progress under the veteran’s specialist guidance. – Michael Yokhin47. Sean Dyche (Burnley)After they’d won plaudits aplenty for qualifying, Burnley’s Europa League campaign passed with all the impact of a tree falling in an empty forest – yet Dyche’s achievement is remarkable.Although the Clarets deserved more coverage and credit for beating a talented Istanbul Basaksehir team (before losing to Olympiakos), Dyche’s true triumph came in 2017/18 as Burnley defied xG models and a negative goal difference to finish ‘best of the rest’ in seventh with one of the Premier League’s lowest wage bills.– Huw Davies46. Juan Carlos Osorio (Paraguay)After a nomadic meander around North and South America, Osorio settled in the middle as Mexico coach in 2015, succeeding the volcanic Miguel Herrera. His spell in charge of El Tri was full of highs and lows, featuring a 22-match unbeaten run and frequent touchline combustibility, but the man nicknamed 'The Recreationist' for his for his unorthodox training methods went out in style at this year’s World Cup.Mexico’s daring and expressive defeat of holders Germany will live long in the memory. Next job, qualify Paraguay for Qatar 2022. – Andy Brassell45. Ariel Holan (Independiente)A former field hockey coach who won bronze with Uruguay’s women at the 2003 Pan American Games, Holan is famous for selling his car in order to buy a more modern computer to analyse as much data as possible on his players. Since then, he’s been slowly recovering Independiente’s mystique, displaying an attractive style and leading them to Copa Sudamericana and Suruga Cup titles in the last 12 months.A progressive and innovative man, Holan almost abandoned the club after a row with the local barra bravas(ultras), but was persuaded to reconsider. El Rojo fans will be glad he did. – Marcus Alves44. Abel Ferreira (Braga)Promoted from Braga's reserves to the first team in April 2017, the former Sporting full-back has fast established himself as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe.Praised for his tactical versatility, devotion to high tempo and good eye for game-changing substitutions, he finished the 2017/18 season in superb fashionand has started the new term even better, taking a joint-lead with Benfica ahead of Porto and Sporting with seven matches played. – Michael Yokhin43. Rudi Garcia (Marseille)Garcia nearly became only the third coach in history to lead a French club to victory in European competition when Marseille reached the Europa League final last May. Atletico Madrid dashed l’OM’s dreams on the night, but by guiding the team so far, Garcia enhanced his reputation as a smart tactician and master motivator.When the ex-Roma boss took charge, Marseille were struggling to pick themselves back up after selling several key stars and finishing 13th. After nearly two years in charge under Garcia, they are in a far better state. – James Eastham42. Quique Setien (Real Betis)After years of Real Betis being in the shadow of overachieving neighbours Sevilla, Setien was exactly what they needed – a coach with a plan, vision and attitude. His risky, attack-minded football had made Las Palmas one of La Liga’s must-watch sides outside the big two, until a colossal falling-out with the board led to his exit at the end of 2016/17.He didn’t start well at Betis but the board kept the faith, and he clinched a return to Europe in style at the end of his first season. Throw in Joaquin and there’s a lot to love. – Andy Brassell41. Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)A direct comparison between Bournemouth’s starts in 2017 and 2018 shows a marked improvement; Howe and his players made it through to the second international break unbeaten at home. The picture is of a coach still learning, but for whom that is meant as a compliment: Bournemouth’s defensive standards are far higher than they were a year ago.Howe’s impressive tactical acumen may not have always won him points, but this is certainly a strategic mind in development. Maybe his real success is shown in his individual players: Callum Wilson’s admirable resurgence after serious injury; the development of Ryan Fraser into a genuine difference-maker at Premier League level; and the continued high performances of Steve Cook and Charlie Daniels. Respectfully, all have been beyond expectation.He arrested a serious slump last winter, and out of that crisis has grown an altogether smarter side – and probably also a more complete head coach. – Seb Stafford-Bloor50-41 • 40-31• 30-2140. Gareth Southgate (England)Wasn’t that great? To feel engaged with the England team again is a fine feeling and Southgate has been one of the key architects of that bond. A World Cup semi-final was also a fine return from a tournament where almost nothing was expected, and the FA have been quite correct with their swift offer of a new contract.There are caveats, though. Southgate spent 2018 proving that he could manage a squad and foster an appropriate environment, but there were certainly lessons to take home from Russia.Long term, he will be judged on whether he can apply that earned knowledge and develop true control of games. – Seb Stafford-Bloor39. Luciano Spalletti (Inter)Lauded for his cavalier attacking style at Roma, Spalletti moved to Inter in the summer of 2017 and promptly returned the Milanese giants to the Champions League after a six-year absence.His team – much like his former charges in the Eternal City – continues to suffer surprising losses at unexpected intervals, but with a talent-laden squad at his disposalhe is slowly rebuilding the Nerazzurri into a potent Serie A force. – Adam Digby38. Stefano Pioli (Fiorentina)Not only has Pioli moulded an entirely new Fiorentina side – the youngest in Europe on average age – into a vibrant, attacking outfit, but he demonstrates all the personal attributes that his team have so sorely needed.This was never more evident following the shocking death of his captain Davide Astori last March, with the coach personally breaking the tragic news to each member of his team. Now the Viola go again for Europe under Pioli, united in their goals and with a renewed positive outlook. – Adam Digby37. Abdullah Avci (Istanbul Basaksehir)Fatih Terim is considered Turkey's greatest coach, but even compared to him Avci is respected as the country's greatest tactical mind. Working far from the spotlight at Istanbul Basaksehir, a club almost without fans, he has built a magnificent team that threatens the hegemony of big three Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas.Basaksehir finished second in 2017, third in 2018, and will fight for the Super Lig title this season as well, mostly thanks to the exceptional work of the long-term plan-loving coach. – Michael Yokhin36. Adi Hutter (Eintracht Frankfurt)Trophyless since 1987, Young Boys were Swiss football’s eternal losers, often falling apart when it mattered most. Then Hutter came along, bringing with him the self-belief to finally ended the Bern club’s curse and win the Super League ahead of Basel this summer.The Austrian loves quick transitions, somewhat reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp, so it’s only natural that he moved to the Bundesliga for the new season, taking over at ambitious German Cup winners Eintracht Frankfurt. – Michael Yokhin35. Marco Giampaolo (Sampdoria)Not only Giampaolo did take over from departing legend Maurizio Sarri at Empoli in 2016, he actually improved the team and was quickly snapped up by Sampdoria.There, he has found the perfect blend of young, hungry talent (Dennis Praet) and experienced veterans (captain Vasco Reginin and 35-year-old striker Fabio Quagliarella), moulding them into a formidable team capable of shocking Serie A’s top sides. Milan Skriniar and Lucas Torreira may have secured moves to bigger clubs, but the 51-year-old continues to deliver results for the Genovese outfit. – Adam Digby34. Rafael Benitez (Newcastle)Rafael Benitez loves a fight. Whether his own fans (Valencia and Chelsea), the owners (Liverpool) or the players (Real Madrid), Benitez will never lose his unshakable belief that he is always right.The Newcastle squad which finished 10th last season had no business being in the Premier League’s top half;the footballing equivalent of winning the derby on a gerbil. Now it’s up to Mike Ashley to back Benitez, or risk losing both him and the Magpies’ top-flight status.The rumour mill suggests a temporary truce has been forged at a club dinner attended by manager, players and owner, the latter promising to spend in January. Ashley would do well to pay up because Benitez thrives in this sort of environment. – Andrew Murray33. Sergio Conceição (Porto)It’s little wonder that Marco Silva rejected the chance to coach Porto in the summer of 2017 – the brief was to make €100 million from player sales to satisfy FFP and win the Primeira Liga back from Benfica.Conceição grasped the challenge with both hands and his positive attitude – reflected in his gutsy, tough and attacking team – transformed a club that had spent four trophyless years in the doldrums. His Dragons show real bravery in Europe, too, no matter the opposition. – Andy Brassell32. Marcelo Gallardo (River Plate)Argentines call him 'Napoleon'for a reason. In six continental tournaments with River Plate, Gallardo has managed to lead the Buenos Aires giants to five semi-finals, winning the Copa Libertadores, a Copa Sudamericana and two Recopas, among other trophies.Another disciple from Marcelo Bielsa’s school, ‘El Muneco’ (The Doll) was the first coachin the country’s first division to hire a female assistant as a member of his staffand has recently renewed his contract until 2021. If the 45-cap former playmaker sees that deal out, Gallardo’s seven-year spell will be the longest in River history. – Marcus Alves31. Unai Emery (Arsenal)Emery’s spell at PSG was a damp squib – his card was marked after losing a one-horse title race in his first season, and watching the Parisians blow a 4-0 first-leg win against Barcelona in the Champions League. Ultimately, Emery didn’t make it beyond the last 16 and struggled with the internal politics of a notoriously demanding club, although he redeemed himself somewhat with a straightforward title in his final year. At Arsenal, the Spaniard has restored a feel-good factor long lost at the Emirates Stadium. It’s early days, but there’s much to be optimistic about for Gooners in their new era. – Joe Brewin50-41•40-31• 30-2130. Bruno Genesio (Lyon)Lyon fans have never warmed to Genesio, yet the low-key coach continues to do a good job against the odds. Les Gones finished third in Ligue 1 last May and are a good bet to earn a fourth straight top-four place under the 52-year-old this season.Genesio also deserves praise for drawing the best out of Memphis Depay, Nabil Fekir and Bertrand Traore at various points over the past 12 months, making l’OL one of the continent’s most consistently entertaining sides. – James Eastham29. Niko Kovac (Bayern Munich)Middling managerial pedigree made the Croat a surprise Bayern choice, prompting the club to reassure sceptics that they’d first been rejected by the re-retiring Jupp Heynckes and a PSG-bound Thomas Tuchel. Four games without a win in October – including a 3-0 home hozing to Borussia Monchengladbach –didn’t help either.But Roten fans need only remember the 3-1 DFB-Pokal final defeat to Kovac’s Eintracht Frankfurt in May for the tactical nuance and off-pitch discipline he will bring to Bavaria.A 5-0 Supercup thumping of his former club was a good springboard, especially with the pre-arranged Leon Goretzka their only signing, as Kovac’s team won their first four league games by two goals or more. Now get back to that form. – Huw Davies28. Renato Gaucho (Gremio)At a time when most of his colleagues were spending their days abroad trying to pick up a thing or two from Guardiola, Ancelotti and Mourinho, Renato preferred to remain on Rio de Janeiro’s beaches playing his favorite sport, foot-volley. “Those that need to learn and study can go to Europe,” he said.It took over two years for the man known by his mother as ‘Renato Portaluppi’ to get a job until Gremio came after him in late 2016. Many thought it a risky choice, but they couldn’t be more wrong.In November 2017, Renato became the first Brazilian to win the Copa Libertadores as both a player and a coach, and has lifted three other trophies since then. He’s got one foot in another Libertadores final after Gremio beat River Plate in the first leg of their semi-final. No surprise, then, that he'sthe favourite to succeed Tite as Brazil’s coach. – Marcus Alves27. Jose Bordalas (Getafe)Simply, Bordalas has completely transformed a club. When he took over Getafe at the end of September 2016, they were second-bottom of Spain’s Segunda Division.In the same season he got them promoted to La Liga, then steered los Azulones to an eighth-placed finish in their first season back, only five points off a European berth.Bordalas professes immense levels of work rate, focus and defensive solidity. Getafe players have followed his every move, and it makes them one of the toughest teams to beat in Spain. How much longer they’ll be able to keep one of Europe’s hottest managerial properties remains to be seen. – David Cartlidge26. Domenico Tedesco (Schalke)Tedesco must give one hell of a job interview. Schalke paid €500,000 to hire a 31-year-old business engineering graduate whose 11-match managerial career comprised saving Erzgebirge Aue from relegation to the third tier (via a play-off).He repaid their faith by taking bottom-half Schalke to a magnificent second, highlights including a 4-4 draw at rivals Dortmund having trailed 4-0 at half-time.The German-Italian is finding life harder since Leon Goretzka and Max Meyer left on frees this summer and opponents figured out his direct, counter-attacking 3-4-3 setup: Schalke have lost six of their first eight league matches of 2018/19, but have at least started their Champions League campaign well. – Huw Davies25. Jose Mourinho (Manchester United)Where do you even start? A second-place finish in the Premier League and an FA Cup final was certainly a decent return, but the substance of that performance – on the pitch and off it – has created a swirl of asterisks.As ever with Mourinho, there has been nearly constant acrimony. The Paul Pogba saga continues to dominate the news cycle and the January transfer window will presumably bring another round of conflict with Ed Woodward, plus more public demands for greater backing.He remains a fine football mind, but why must it always be so fractious – and why, in spite of such exorbitant spending, do Manchester United remain so underwhelming? Their stars may give them the punching power to remain broadly competitive, but they remain by far the least joined-up team within their weight class. Jose isn’t the same anymore. – Seb Stafford-Bloor24. Pablo Machin (Sevilla)After securing promotion to La Liga for the first time in Girona’s history, Machin didn’t stop there. Instead, he took them to an unprecedented 10th-place finish in their debut campaign and made them a serious top-flight outfit which claimed the scalps of Real Madrid, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo.When he took over at Girona in March 2014, they were bottom of Spain’s second division. It was inevitable that he’d be snapped up for greater things, and they came in the form of Sevilla, who acted quickest to snare him in May with the hope of instilling some much-needed organisation and fight into the club.It’s so far, so good – Machin’s side are third in La Liga after nine games after trouncing Real Madrid 3-0 in September. – David Cartlidge23. Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)While many of the managers on this list have been included for tactical advances or lifting important trophies, Gasperini is a little different. The avuncular 60-year-old has achieved little tangible success – although steering Atalanta to Europe for the first time in 26 years was quite something – but his ability to develop players is frankly astonishing and he has found a perfect home at Atalanta.The quiet and unassuming ‘Gaspe’ has produced a steady stream of talent that has moved on to Serie A’s bigger clubs, and continues bring the best from the young prospects at his disposal. – Adam Digby22. Paulo Fonseca (Shakhtar Donetsk)It should be heresy to suggest that the great Mircea Lucescu has a challenger as the club’s greatest-ever coach, but Fonseca has done the near-impossible in replacing a long-serving club legend with distinction.After a shock elimination by Young Boys in Champions League qualification within weeks of taking the helm in 2016, Fonseca has delivered successive league-and-cup doubles plus a Champions League last 16 place, all in the face of slashed playing budgets and the continuing exile from Donetsk. Impressive. – Andy Brassell21. Zlatko Dalic (Croatia)Few people outside of Croatia and, er, the Persian Gulf knew who Dalic was when he unexpectedly became Croatia national team coach in October 2017, just two days before a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.Lose, and his career would have lasted about 48 hours. He won, made it through the play-offs and proceeded all the way to the World Cup final.Yes, there were penalty shootouts against Denmark and Russia, but Dalic deserves huge credit for uniting the dressing room despite a very delicate political situation. An easy-going attitude with media helped to promote his personal brand, too. – Michael YokhinAll will be revealed... Monday 20-11 • Tuesday 10-150-41•40-31• 30-21New features you'd love on FourFourTwo.com
