When it comes to football, the influence of a coach can be monumental. The game has witnessed several great minds who’ve shaped teams, redefined tactics, and led squads to unparalleled success. But among them all, one question reigns supreme: Who was the best football coach? The answer to this question isn’t simple, as several factors need to be considered: success rate, adaptability, leadership, and the ability to inspire greatness in players. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the legends of football coaching, delving into the careers of a few candidates for the title of the greatest football coach in history.
What Defines the Best Football Coach?
Before diving into the specific names, we must first establish what it means to be the best football coach. It’s not just about titles and trophies—though those are important—but also about influence, innovation, and leadership.
- Trophies and Titles: A coach’s success is often judged by the number of major competitions they’ve won. This includes domestic leagues, continental championships, and international tournaments.
- Tactical Innovation: The best football coaches not only win matches but also revolutionize the way the game is played. Their tactics shape the future of football, and many become trendsetters in the sport.
- Player Development: Great football coaches not only look after their team’s success but also focus on the development of players. The best coaches nurture and transform talents into legends.
- Consistency and Longevity: Success over a short period is impressive, but maintaining high performance for several years is a true testament to greatness.
- Leadership and Motivation: A great football coach brings out the best in their players, motivating them to perform beyond their limits and creating a winning mentality.
Sir Alex Ferguson: The Mastermind of Manchester United
When discussing who was the best football coach, Sir Alex Ferguson’s name often tops the list. As the long-serving manager of Manchester United, Ferguson’s 27-year tenure at the club made him a legend in English football and beyond.
Ferguson’s Unmatched Success
Under Ferguson’s leadership, Manchester United dominated English football, winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies. His total of 38 trophies with Manchester United is a record that remains untouchable. But what truly set Ferguson apart was his ability to rebuild squads multiple times throughout his career and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of the game.
Tactical Adaptability
Ferguson wasn’t known for a single playing style. Instead, he demonstrated tactical flexibility throughout his career, building teams that could play possession-based football, counterattacking football, or even direct play when necessary. This ability to evolve, combined with his uncanny knack for reading the game, allowed him to stay at the top of football for nearly three decades.
Developing Talents
One of Ferguson’s hallmarks was his ability to develop young talents. He famously brought up the “Class of ’92,” including players like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs, who formed the backbone of his team for years. His ability to blend youth and experience played a key role in Manchester United’s success.
Pep Guardiola: The Revolutionary Tactician
Another serious contender in the debate over who was the best football coach is Pep Guardiola. Guardiola’s impact on modern football is undeniable. Known for his tactical innovations and meticulous planning, Guardiola has left an indelible mark on every club he has managed.
Dominance at Barcelona
Guardiola’s time at FC Barcelona was nothing short of extraordinary. Between 2008 and 2012, he led the team to 14 trophies, including two Champions League titles and three La Liga championships. His Barcelona side is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in football history, largely thanks to his famous “tiki-taka” style of play.
Tiki-Taka and Tactical Mastery
Pep Guardiola’s introduction of tiki-taka—a style characterized by short, quick passes and maintaining possession—revolutionized the game. His meticulous attention to detail, positional play, and pressing systems forced opposition teams to rethink their strategies. Players like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta thrived under his guidance, and Barcelona became virtually unbeatable.
Success Across Europe
After leaving Barcelona, Guardiola continued his success at Bayern Munich and Manchester City. At Bayern, he won three consecutive Bundesliga titles, and at Manchester City, he led the team to multiple Premier League titles, including a record-breaking 100-point season in 2017-18. Guardiola’s influence and tactical brilliance have left a lasting legacy wherever he has coached.
Rinus Michels: The Father of Total Football
If we’re exploring who was the best football coach, we cannot overlook Rinus Michels. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of football, Michels introduced the concept of “Total Football”—a fluid, dynamic playing style that allows players to interchange positions seamlessly.
The Ajax Revolution
Michels began his managerial career at Ajax in the 1960s, where he introduced his innovative approach to football. His philosophy of “Total Football” emphasized positional interchangeability, technical excellence, and high pressing. Under Michels’ leadership, Ajax dominated Dutch football and won their first European Cup in 1971.
International Success with the Netherlands
Michels’ crowning achievement came in 1988 when he led the Netherlands to victory in the UEFA European Championship. His “Total Football” philosophy was on full display, with players like Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten executing his system to perfection.
Michels’ contribution to football goes far beyond his trophy cabinet. His revolutionary tactics shaped the way modern football is played, and his legacy can still be seen in teams like Guardiola’s Barcelona and Klopp’s Liverpool.
Johan Cruyff: The Visionary Player-Coach
Johan Cruyff, both as a player and as a coach, changed football forever. While he’s best known for his playing career, Cruyff’s managerial stint, especially at Barcelona, left an indelible mark on the sport.
The Birth of the “Dream Team”
Cruyff took over as Barcelona’s manager in 1988, and within a few years, he built what would be known as the “Dream Team.” He guided Barcelona to their first-ever European Cup in 1992 and four consecutive La Liga titles. Under his guidance, Barcelona adopted a style of football that emphasized possession, movement, and technical excellence—much of which was inspired by Rinus Michels’ Total Football.
Influence on Future Coaches
Cruyff’s philosophy didn’t just bring success to Barcelona during his reign; it shaped the future of the club. Many of his players, including Pep Guardiola, went on to become successful managers who applied his tactical ideologies. Cruyff’s influence extends beyond trophies—it shaped football as we know it today, making him a pivotal figure in answering who was the best football coach.
José Mourinho: The Special One
José Mourinho has long been a name associated with success, controversy, and undeniable tactical acumen. Known as “The Special One,” Mourinho’s career has seen him win titles in multiple countries, and his pragmatic approach to the game has earned him a unique place in the debate over who was the best football coach.
Mourinho’s Trophy Cabinet
Mourinho’s resume speaks for itself. He has won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain. His career began in spectacular fashion at Porto, where he led the team to an unexpected UEFA Champions League victory in 2004. From there, he won Premier League titles with Chelsea, a treble with Inter Milan, and La Liga with Real Madrid.
Pragmatic Football and Tactical Masterclass
While Mourinho’s football is often criticized for being defensive, his tactical brilliance cannot be denied. Mourinho’s game plans are often based on frustrating the opposition and capitalizing on counter-attacks. His preparation for matches is legendary, and his ability to adapt tactics to nullify opponents has won him plenty of silverware.
Psychological Mastery
Mourinho’s greatness lies not only in his tactical acumen but also in his ability to manage players psychologically. Known for his charismatic and sometimes combative approach, Mourinho has a unique knack for motivating his squads to perform under pressure. This psychological edge has been key in several of his major successes, particularly in cup competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti: The Calm Conqueror
If you’re looking for a manager who has been successful in nearly every league he’s managed, then Carlo Ancelotti is certainly a contender for who was the best football coach. Known for his calm demeanor, Ancelotti has quietly built an illustrious career filled with trophies and accolades.
Champions League Maestro
Ancelotti’s most significant achievement is his unprecedented success in the UEFA Champions League. He has won the prestigious tournament a record four times—twice with AC Milan and twice with Real Madrid. His success in Europe sets him apart from many of his peers.
Tactical Flexibility
Ancelotti is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to get the best out of his players. Whether deploying a midfield diamond at AC Milan or a 4-3-3 formation at Real Madrid, Ancelotti has always found ways to adapt his tactics to fit the strengths of his teams. This tactical versatility has been key to his sustained success.
Conclusion.
The question of who was the best football coach is subjective, as each of the candidates listed brings something unique to the table. Sir Alex Ferguson’s consistency, Pep Guardiola’s tactical innovation, Rinus Michels’ revolution of football, Johan Cruyff’s visionary influence, José Mourinho’s pragmatism, and Carlo Ancelotti’s European dominance all offer compelling arguments.
