World Football: Top 8 Club Managers Right Now

If you were the owner of a gigantic football club and had a blank check for staff members, whose name would you inscribe on the manager’s check? Who would you bestow the reigns and the pressure of leading your team to greatness if you had one chance? Just in case any of you are thrust into this luxurious position, here is a cheat sheet on who you might want to have handle your team. A list of the eight best managers in the world of football right now is just a click away. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a list of the most prestigious managers who are still coaching in today’s game. This slideshow honors those who have achieved great things recently and who have been the most successful managers over the last couple of years. Prestige and history was taken into account, but they were not as heavily weighed in the selections as recent success. Now, you may indulge. 

Honorable Mention

Harry Redknapp

Coach of Tottenham

Rudi Garcia

Coach of Lille

Felix Magath

Coach of Wolfsburg

Frank De Boer

Coach of Ajax

David Moyes

Coach of Everton

Andre Villas-Boas

Coach of Chelsea

8. Didier Deschamps

Coach of Marseille

Recent Achievements: 2010 Ligue 1 Title, four trophies since arrival

The Verdict: The former French midfielder has coached exceptionally well for Marseille since 2009. In his first two seasons as head coach, Marseille captured a Ligue 1 title (its first since 1992) and two Coupe de la Ligue trophies (First two in club’s history). Such a successful start could cause top English clubs to consider Deschamps as a future employee. 

7. Massimiliano Allegri

Coach of AC Milan

Recent Achievements: Ended AC Milan's six-year Serie A title drought in 2010-2011

The Verdict: Allegri handled the Milan pressure perfectly in his first season by bringing home a Serie A title for the first time since 2004. Allegri also pleased the fans by beating rival Inter twice in five months and bringing in new Serie A superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona. A promising start for the Italian and a hint that Milan might be on the track back to greatness. 

6. Arsene Wenger

Coach of Arsenal

Recent Achievements: 2008 French Manager of the Year, Development of young stars

The Verdict: Although statistics might not show it, Wenger is still one of the top managers in the world of football. He has signed a number of prospects recently who have transformed into superstars, proving that he still is one of the premier talent developers in the world. His handling of player potential has produced top figures such as Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri, and Theo Walcott, all of whom have fulfilled if not exceeded expectations. Although his trophy drought is alarming, hundreds of clubs would still love to have the Frenchman on the sideline. 

5. Roberto Mancini

Coach of Manchester City

Recent Achievements: 2010 FA Cup with City, Multiple Top Signings since 2009

The Verdict: Although his first two seasons at City weren't as revolutionary as many expected, he did manage to bring silverware home to Manchester for the first time in 25 years. However, the main reason why Mancini has graced this list is because of his transfer market magnificence. Since his arrival, Mancini hasn’t just worked the transfer market, but dominated it, bringing stars like Yaya Toure, James Milner, Mario Balotelli, and Edin Dzeko all to Manchester. Plus, with a revamped squad and plenty to spend, you would have to believe that his best days are still in front of him.

4. Carlo Ancelotti

Former Coach of Chelsea

Recent Achievements: 2010 Premier League Title with Chelsea, 2010 FA Cup with Chelsea

The Verdict: The big Italian takes home the No. 4 spot. Although not as successful as his Chelsea predecessor, Ancelotti achieved plenty after he arrived at Stamford Bridge. Under Ancelotti, Chelsea had two top-two finishes in the Premier League, an FA Cup title, and made a number of key signings. All that still wasn't enough to keep him from getting the hook. 

3. Jose Mourinho

Coach of Real Madrid

Recent Achievements: 2010 Champions League Title with Inter, 2011 Copa del Rey with Real Madrid

The Verdict: He is nicknamed “The Special One” for a reason. Although the highlight of his career may forever be winning the Champions League with Porto, Mourinho has managed to accomplish a few things since then. From 2008 to present, Mourinho has brought home two league titles, three cups and a Champions League title to his respective clubs (Inter, Real Madrid). Although he might make a dent in Real Madrid's pocket book, he certainly is worth the extra zero on the check. 

2. Pep Guadiola

Coach of Barcelona

Recent Achievements: Led Barcelona to three straight La Liga titles, Led Barcelona to Two UCL titles

The Verdict: Winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in a career is a tremendous feat for a coach, and winning them before your 41st birthday is truly out of this world. Barcelona hiring an unproven Pep Guardiola in 2008 caused a few jaws to drop, and those jaws have continued to drop since his arrival. Barcelona has won more La Liga titles the last three years than they did the previous nine, proving that Guardiola’s tactics have truly done wonders for the club. Add two Champions League Titles and a Copa del Rey on top of all the league success, and you have the manager of a dynasty.    

1. Sir Alex Ferguson

Coach of Manchester United

Recent Achievements: Led United to an EPL title (12th under him) in 2010-11, Led United to a UCL Title in 2008

The Verdict: Who else did you expect to top this list? Sir Alex has won trophies at the highest level for Manchester United for 25 years and is arguably the most prestigious manager of all time. He has coached United to 12 Premier League Titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and 2 Champions League victories and still has plenty left in the tank. After winning the Premier League four out of the last five seasons, it can be said that Sir Alex is still in his coaching prime, destined to bring home silverware every season at Old Trafford. That's all folks! Thanks for reading and please comment below!