Pep Guardiola cemented his place in the managerial holy grail after completing a remarkable treble as a Manchester City manager with a Champions League triumph against Inter Milan on Saturday.
The Spanish manager became just the only second manager to win the Premier League title, FA Cup, and the Champions League after Sir Alex Ferguson who achieved the feat with Manchester United in 1999.
Guardiola, also, put himself on the list of soccer managers who have completed a football treble, in his case it was his third time after doing it twice at Barcelona.
So, with these remarkable achievements by Pep Guardiola – where does he rank on the list of best soccer managers of all-time?
In this article, iLOT Bet tries to answer the question of soccer manager GOAT that is rocking the space of Sports Betting in Nigeria by compiling the list.
This list was compiled based on their trophy hauls, style of play, and impact on the game – so where does Pep Guardiola ranks?
Table of Contents
10. Bob Paisley:
Paisley, Shankly’s successor at Liverpool, built on the foundations laid by his predecessor and achieved unprecedented success. Under Paisley’s guidance, Liverpool won six league titles and three European Cups, solidifying their dominance during the 1970s and 1980s.
9. Giovanni Trapattoni:
Trapattoni’s managerial career spanned across Italy, Germany, Portugal, and beyond. His tactical acumen and extraordinary ability to extract the best from his players led to numerous league titles and UEFA competition victories.
8. Bill Shankly:
Shankly’s transformation of Liverpool FC from second division mediocrity to one of Europe’s most successful clubs cements his status as a managerial icon. His impact on Liverpool’s identity and his ability to create a winning culture set the stage for future triumphs.
7. Brian Clough:
Clough’s remarkable success at Derby County and Nottingham Forest earns him a place on this list. He guided Nottingham Forest to two consecutive European Cup victories, an achievement that is often considered one of the greatest in the history of English football.
6. Jose Mourinho:
Mourinho’s tactical astuteness and ability to win trophies make him a formidable figure in the managerial world. With league titles in multiple countries and two UEFA Champions League titles, his impact on the game cannot be overlooked.
5. Rinus Michels:
The mastermind behind Cruyff’s “Total Football,” Michels coached the Netherlands to their first major international success, reaching the World Cup final in 1974. His tactical innovations and focus on attacking football influenced generations of managers.
4. Arrigo Sacchi:
Sacchi’s AC Milan side of the late 1980s revolutionized Italian football. Employing an aggressive pressing style, Sacchi’s team won back-to-back European Cups in 1989 and 1990, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
3. Johan Cruyff:
Cruyff, the pioneer of “Total Football,” transformed the way the game was played. As the manager of Barcelona, he introduced a possession-based style that laid the foundation for the success the club enjoys today. His impact on Barcelona’s philosophy and culture is immeasurable.
2. Pep Guardiola:
Guardiola has proven himself as a visionary tactician. His teams, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and now Manchester City, have displayed a mesmerizing style of play, emphasizing possession, pressing, and attacking prowess. Guardiola’s influence on the game and his success, including two UEFA Champions League titles, firmly place him among the top managers of all time.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson:
The legendary former manager of Manchester United tops the list with an unrivalled trophy collection, including 13 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Ferguson’s ability to build and rebuild successful teams over his 27-year tenure is a testament to his longevity and influence.
