The New York Rangers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025, and now General Manager Chris Drury is expected to make changes. According to a report by Arthur Staple from The Athletic, the Rangers are one of several teams looking to change their roster before the new season. Other teams mentioned are the Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, and Utah Mammoth.

One player the Rangers are watching is Vladislav Gavrikov, a defenseman who played for the Los Angeles Kings this past season. Gavrikov will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. He is 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds, and he shoots left. He has built a reputation as a strong defensive player who can handle a lot of minutes.

Gavrikov Had a Strong Season with the Kings

In the 2024–25 season, Gavrikov played 82 games and finished with five goals and 25 assists, totaling 30 points – only three points below his career high. He was especially good in the defensive zone. He had a plus-26 rating, which is the best of his career. His previous best was plus-12 during the 2022–23 season.

Gavrikov also averaged 23 minutes and 5 seconds of ice time per game, which was the most he has ever played in a season. He led the Kings in blocked shots with 140 and took just 28 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, he played six games, added two assists, and averaged 21 minutes per game, even though the Kings were knocked out in the first round by the Edmonton Oilers.

Rangers Need Cap Space to Make a Move

Right now, the Rangers have around $8.4 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia. Gavrikov is coming off a two-year, $11.75 million contract, which had an average cap hit of $5.875 million per season. Based on his strong season, he is expected to ask for a raise in free agency, possibly between $6.5 million and $7.5 million per year.

That means the Rangers would need to free up more space to afford him. At the same time, they still need to sign several restricted free agents, including Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe, Adam Edstrom, K’Andre Miller, and Zac Jones. Cuylle is likely the team’s top priority.

To create room for a player like Gavrikov, the Rangers may need to let some of these RFAs go or trade current players.

Miller, Kreider, and Zibanejad Could Be On the Move

Staple reported that the only players who are “untouchable” on the Rangers roster are Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and Artemi Panarin, meaning all other players could be available in trades.

K’Andre Miller may be one of the most likely players to move. He is 25 years old and is coming off a contract that had a cap hit of $3.872 million. Although the Rangers hoped he would grow into a top-pair defenseman, that hasn’t happened yet. Reports say the team may be ready to trade him now to avoid losing him for nothing later; it could also give them the cap space to bring in Gavrikov.

Another player to watch is Chris Kreider, who scored 22 goals and 30 points last season. He missed 14 games and said on breakup day that he might need hand surgery this offseason. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade clause, which limits where he can be traded.

Mika Zibanejad is also a name in trade rumors. He has a full no-move clause and has said he wants to stay in New York. Still, Chris Drury has worked around such contract clauses in the past, so it’s not impossible that he could be moved if the right deal comes along.

Rangers Looking for a New Partner for Adam Fox

Back in March, the Rangers traded Ryan Lindgren to the Colorado Avalanche, and they haven’t found a permanent replacement to play on the top pair with Adam Fox. Gavrikov could be a good fit in that spot. He is known for being reliable on defense and has played top-four and even top-pair minutes before. His style of play could work well under the team’s new head coach, Mike Sullivan, who is known for coaching teams with strong defensive systems.

Kings May Try to Re-Sign Gavrikov Before July 1

The Los Angeles Kings, who traded for Gavrikov from Columbus during the 2022–23 season, would prefer to keep him. He was drafted 159th overall in 2015 by the Columbus Blue Jackets and has played 435 career NHL games between the Blue Jackets and Kings. In that time, he has scored 29 goals and 135 points.

Gavrikov has said he is open to signing a longer deal with the Kings, but the team’s new leadership, now run by Ken Holland, may have different plans. If no deal is made by July 1, Gavrikov will likely receive offers from several teams.

Other than the Rangers, teams that could be interested include the Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, and Utah Mammoth. These teams, like New York, are expected to be active in the offseason.

On Friday night, June 6, 2025, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, the New York Yankees played the first game of their weekend series against the Boston Red Sox. The game started well for the Yankees. In the first inning, shortstop Anthony Volpe hit a two-run home run to right field off Boston pitcher Walker Buehler. It was Volpe’s eighth home run of the season and helped the Yankees take an early lead.

Later in that same inning, Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a three-run homer to center field off Buehler. By the end of the first, the Yankees were up 5-0. In the second inning, the team added more runs and had the bases loaded when Volpe came up to bat again. On a 2-2 count, Buehler threw an 89-mile-per-hour changeup that hit Volpe directly on the left elbow. Volpe walked to first base, and another run scored, giving the Yankees a 7-0 lead.

At first, Volpe stayed in the game. He played the top of the third inning on defense, though no balls were hit to him. But before the fourth inning began, the Yankees took him out. Oswald Peraza replaced him at shortstop.

Tests Show No Serious Damage, but Swelling Keeps Volpe Out

After the game, the Yankees said that Volpe had a bruise on his left elbow. He was dealing with swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. The team sent him for both X-rays and a CT scan. The results were good news—there were no broken bones or structural damage.

Volpe spoke to reporters after the game and said, “I expect to be in there (Saturday). It’s how I was brought up in the game. You want to be available for the team.” He added that he felt optimistic once he knew the elbow was stable and he just needed to reduce the swelling.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone was also hopeful but more cautious. He said, “A little stiff and sore, but hopefully nothing that keeps him out for very long.” He explained that the medical staff thought an extra day of rest and treatment would help. Boone said, “Strength, everything’s good. He’s got pretty good-sized swelling in there still.”

Although Volpe wanted to play the next day, the Yankees kept him out of the starting lineup on Saturday. Peraza started at shortstop again.

Volpe Appears Late Saturday, But Yankees Fall

Even though Volpe did not start on Saturday, he still made a late appearance. In the bottom of the eighth inning, he came in as a pinch runner for DJ LeMahieu. He stayed in the game to play shortstop in the top of the ninth. The Yankees lost that game 10-7.

Sunday Return: Volpe Starts, Yankees Lose Series Finale

On Sunday, June 8, Volpe returned to the starting lineup, playing with added elbow protection. He went 2-for-5 with a double, showing no lingering issues from the injury.

Despite two home runs by Aaron Judge and a solid offensive showing, the Yankees’ pitching faltered. Starter Carlos Rodón gave up five runs, and the bullpen couldn’t contain the Red Sox in a game that ended 11–7 in Boston’s favor. The Red Sox took the series, 2–1.

Volpe’s Season Stats and Role on the Team

Before the injury, Volpe had played in 60 games this season. His batting average was .241. He had an on-base percentage of .321 and a slugging percentage of .429. He had hit eight home runs, driven in 37 runs, and stolen seven bases. He also improved his plate discipline, with a 10% walk rate and a 20.7% chase rate. His average exit velocity was 90.7 mph, and his hard-hit rate was 46.3%.

Volpe is known for staying in the lineup. Last season, he played in 160 out of 162 games. The year before, as a rookie, he played in 159 games. For him, missing even one game is unusual.

On the Red Sox side, Jazz Chisholm Jr., who hit a three-run home run on Friday, was not in the lineup on Saturday. Pablo Reyes played third base in that game instead. The reason for Chisholm’s absence was not given.

The Yankees finished their nine-game West Coast road trip with a solid 7-3 win over the Dodgers on Sunday night. However, the victory came at a cost. Two key players, outfielder Jasson Domínguez and closer Luke Weaver suffered injuries that will need further evaluation once the team returns to New York.

Domínguez left the game with a thumb injury after stealing second base, and Weaver never made it onto the mound in the ninth inning due to a sudden hamstring issue. While the team avoided being swept in the series, these two injuries became the main story by the end of the night.

Domínguez Jammed His Left Thumb During a Headfirst Slide

Jasson Domínguez, who started in left field, injured his left thumb during a stolen base attempt in the top of the fifth inning. Facing pitcher Anthony Banda with no outs and Anthony Volpe at the plate, Domínguez reached base on a walk. He then attempted to steal second base and slid in headfirst. While the steal was successful, he jammed his thumb on the base during the slide.

Domínguez remained in the game immediately after the injury and scored later in the inning on a one-out RBI single by DJ LeMahieu. However, when his turn in the batting order came around again in the sixth inning, he was replaced by pinch-hitter Cody Bellinger.

After the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters, “He couldn’t really swing. It was serious enough for him to come out of the game.”

The team diagnosed the injury as a left thumb contusion, and Domínguez is expected to undergo further testing in New York on Monday, during the team’s off-day.

Speaking to the media after the game, Domínguez said,“I don’t think there’s much concern about it. We’re going to see [Monday] how it feels. Right now, I think there is nothing to worry about. Right now, I’m feeling better already.”

At the time he left the game, Domínguez had gone 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. The RBI came earlier in the game and contributed to the Yankees’ overall offense. On the season, Domínguez is batting .247 with a .766 OPS through 49 games.

An image circulated on social media after the game showed Domínguez sliding into second base with his left hand extended, without any protective gear. Domínguez confirmed he was wearing a protective mitt on his right hand, not his injured left, and said he may consider wearing one on both hands in the future.

Weaver Pulled from Ninth Inning Appearance Due to Hamstring Tightness

Yankees manager Aaron Boone had planned to use Luke Weaver to close out the game in the ninth inning, with New York holding a four-run lead. However, shortly after completing his warm-up routine in the bullpen, Weaver felt something in the middle of his right hamstring during a stretch and informed the coaching staff.

Boone said, “He had finished warming up and then when he went to stretch felt something in the middle of his hammy, so we had to kind of make a switch on the fly.”

Consequently, Tim Hill, who had warmed up earlier, was called in to pitch the ninth. Hill retired the side in order and recorded the final three outs of the game.

Boone stated that he was originally planning to bring Weaver in for a four-out save and that the discomfort was enough to remove him from consideration. “It was enough to take him out,” Boone said.“We’ll see what we have when we get home.”

Weaver has been a key contributor to the Yankees’ bullpen. He has posted a 1.05 ERA and 0.701 WHIP over 25 2/3 innings, with 8 saves in 9 chances. He began the year in a setup role behind Devin Williams but has been closing games since regaining the role in September of last season, including during the postseason.

Weaver underwent an MRI and is expected to miss four to six weeks with a hamstring strain.

Yankees Close Out Road Trip with a Strong Performance

Despite the injuries, the Yankees secured a much-needed win to close out their road trip. Ryan Yarbrough provided a steady performance on the mound, and DJ LeMahieu recorded his first four-hit game since 2021, going 4-for-5 with an RBI.

With the win, the Yankees avoided being swept in a series for the first time this season.

The team now returns to New York for a day off before opening their next series. They are also expecting to activate Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the injured list on Tuesday after he missed approximately one month with a strained oblique.

While the result in Los Angeles was a positive one, the statuses of Jasson Domínguez and Luke Weaver will be closely monitored in the coming days. Both players are scheduled for evaluation on Monday in New York.

The New York Rangers ended their 2024–25 season with a 39-36-7 record and missed the playoffs. General Manager Chris Drury is actively working to restructure the roster to meet expectations. The focus is on three players: Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and K’Andre Miller. The Rangers also have a new head coach, Mike Sullivan, following the dismissal of Peter Laviolette.

Chris Kreider Blocks Trade Efforts Despite Drop in Production

Chris Kreider has a 15-team no-trade clause in his contract and does not want to leave New York. He is 11 goals away from becoming the second all-time in goals for the franchise. Kreider scored 22 goals and 8 assists for 30 points in 68 games this season, with a -5 rating. In the previous season, he had 39 goals, 36 assists, 75 points, and a +19 rating over 82 games.

He has 2 years remaining on a contract worth $6.5 million annually. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Kreider has “no interest in leaving” and is motivated to stay and break the team record.

He confirmed this during his exit interview:

“This is home for me. This is the organization that gave me an opportunity to live out my dream. I’ve developed so many incredible relationships and grown up and spent so much time in this area. So, obviously, this is where I want to be and this is the group that I want to help in whatever fashion win hockey games.”

Despite Kreider’s statement, Drury is reportedly seeking to move the contract this summer. Kreider’s inclusion in a league memo earlier this year, along with defenseman Jacob Trouba, as available for trade, confirms that the front office is exploring all options.

Panarin May Be Targeted by Chicago for Return

Artemi Panarin may be involved in trade discussions with the Chicago Blackhawks, his first NHL team. NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that the Rangers may consider sending Panarin back to Chicago in exchange for assets. Panarin began his career in 2015 with the Blackhawks and won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. He was traded to Columbus in 2017 for Brandon Saad and Anton Forsberg.

Panarin signed with the Rangers in 2019 and has been the team’s leading scorer. In 2023–24, he recorded 39 goals and 62 assists for 101 points, though they have not won a Stanley Cup during his time with the team.

Chicago is rebuilding around Connor Bedard and is looking to add elite scorers. The Blackhawks tried to accelerate their rebuild last summer with veteran players, but Ryan Donato was the only one to reach 30 goals. Three other players scored 20 or more. Chicago lacks consistent offensive production, and Panarin could fill that gap.

Chicago has both the prospects and the cap space to make a deal. While no formal trade offer has been confirmed, Panarin returning to Chicago remains a realistic scenario if Drury decides to reset the roster.

Rangers Consider Trading K’Andre Miller

Defenseman K’Andre Miller is also in trade discussions. The 25-year-old is a pending restricted free agent and coming off a down season with 7 goals, 20 assists, and 27 points in 74 games.

Elliotte Friedman reported that the Rangers are testing the market for Miller.

“It’s not a guarantee, but they are testing the market on Miller,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts. “They want to know what it is. But his name is definitely out there.”

Frank Seravalli ranked Miller as the 10th most likely trade candidate this offseason, citing his future salary and the need to restructure the Rangers’ blue line.

One trade pitch, generated via PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, suggested a one-for-one deal: K’Andre Miller to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Jordan Kyrou. Kyrou scored 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points this season. He is entering the third year of an eight-year, $65 million contract.

Miller earned $3.872 million this past season. His next contract is expected to include years of unrestricted free agency, which will raise his value.

JJ Peterka Trade Offer Did Not Materialize

The Rangers also made a serious attempt to acquire JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres before the trade deadline. Frank Seravalli revealed that New York was one of “two or three” teams to submit a “bonafide, legitimate offer,” which included a roster player and a first-round pick. The specific roster player has not been identified.

Peterka, 23, had 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points and averaged 18:14 of ice time. Even though it was a strong offer, no deal was reached. The reasons remain unclear, but the Rangers’ interest signals Drury’s willingness to invest significant assets in younger offensive players.

Sullivan Takes Over as Coach, Sets Clear Expectations

Following the missed playoffs, the Rangers fired head coach Peter Laviolette and hired Mike Sullivan, who won Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. Sullivan made it clear he expects the Rangers to play with structure and discipline.

“I know there’s a lot of talent in the dressing room, but as we all know, talent alone doesn’t win championships. Teams win championships. That’s going to be our challenge from Day 1—becoming a team,” Sullivan said during his introduction.

He also pointed to the value of his previous experience.

“Having the ability to spend a decade with some of the people that I was able to work with there… I just think you take so much from those types of experiences. I hope to bring those experiences here to New York that can help me be a better coach for this group of players.”

In modern soccer, managers are no longer just team selectors or sideline spectators. They’re tacticians, spokespersons, architects of systems, and sometimes even therapists. Over the past 25 years, a handful of managers have done more than just win trophies. They have also changed the way the game is played, structured soccer cultures, and defined legacies for generations.

This is the definitive and fully detailed ranking of the 25 best soccer managers of the 21st century so far.

25. Claudio Ranieri – The Miracle at Leicester (2015–2016)

• Nationality: Italian
• Age (2025): 74
• Managerial Jobs Since 2000: 17
• Best Known For: Leading Leicester City to the 2015–16 Premier League title against 5000/1 odds
• Notable Quote: “Dilly ding, dilly dong!”

When Ranieri took over Leicester in July 2015, the club had the fourth-lowest wage bill in the Premier League. Their striker, Jamie Vardy, had played non-league soccer; N’Golo Kanté was a budget signing unknown in England; and the starting center-backs, Wes Morgan and Robert Huth, had a combined age of 62.

Ranieri instilled a basic 4-4-2, prioritized aggressive pressing, long balls, and deadly counters, and let Riyad Mahrez and Vardy produce magic. They finished with 81 points, and their title win remains the biggest upset in soccer history.

Despite being sacked nine months later, Ranieri will always be a Premier League legend.

24. Marcello Lippi – World Cup Winner in Chaos (2006)

• Nationality: Italian
• Trophies in the 21st Century:
  • 2006 FIFA World Cup (Italy)
  • 3 Chinese Super League titles (Guangzhou Evergrande)
  • 1 AFC Champions League (2013)

Lippi’s crowning moment was guiding Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, beating Germany in the semi-finals and France on penalties in the final after Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in extra time. Italy was unbeaten and conceded only two goals all tournament.

Later, he moved to China—a bold decision—and dominated the Chinese Super League, winning 3 consecutive titles and the Asian Champions League in 2013.

23. Jupp Heynckes – The Gentleman Who Engineered Bayern’s Treble (2013)

• Nationality: German
• Key Accomplishments:
  • Champions League (Real Madrid 1998, Bayern 2013)
  • Bundesliga (4 total)
  • DFB Pokal (2013)
  • First treble in German soccer history (2013)

Heynckes was fired the day after delivering Real Madrid’s first European Cup in 32 years in 1998. Years later, he returned to Bayern Munich for his third spell. In 2013, he won the Bundesliga in record time (earliest ever title win), with the most points (91), most wins (29), and best goal difference (+80) in history.

They also beat Dortmund in the Champions League final and Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal to complete the treble, knowing Guardiola was replacing him. He returned one more time in 2017–18 and won the league again at age 73.

22. Louis van Gaal – The Philosopher and Showman

• Nationality: Dutch
• Titles Since 2000:
  • Bundesliga (2009–10, Bayern Munich)
  • Eredivisie (AZ Alkmaar 2008–09)
  • FA Cup (Manchester United 2016)

Van Gaal’s 21st century began poorly. He failed to qualify the Netherlands for the 2002 World Cup and was sacked from Barcelona in 2003. But in 2009, he led AZ Alkmaar to their second Eredivisie title ever.

At Bayern, he won the Bundesliga in his first season and reached the 2010 Champions League final. He was sacked in 2011 after showing his genitals to the team to “prove a point” to Franck Ribery.

In 2014, he took the Netherlands to a World Cup semi-final, including a tactical masterclass vs. Spain (5–1 win). At Manchester United, he won the FA Cup but was sacked days later. During the 2022 World Cup, he coached the Netherlands while battling prostate cancer.

21. Simone Inzaghi – The Underrated Genius

• Nationality: Italian
• Achievements:
  • Coppa Italia (2019, Lazio)
  • Champions League Finalist (2023, Inter)
  • 8 wins in 9 domestic finals

Inzaghi took over Lazio in 2016 after Marcelo Bielsa resigned after one week. He led them to three top-five finishes and a Coppa Italia. In 2021, he moved to Inter Milan, where he reached the Champions League final in 2023, narrowly losing 1–0 to Manchester City. His tactical flexibility and calm presence make him one of the most respected managers in Europe, even if his name is rarely in the headlines.

20. Joachim Löw – The Man Behind Germany’s Renaissance

• Nationality: German
• Key Honors:
  • FIFA World Cup (2014)
  • Confederations Cup (2017)
  • Euro Finalist (2008)
  • 2 WC semi-finals (2010, 2014)

Löw guided Germany to six straight semi-finals from 2006–2016, culminating in the 2014 World Cup win in Brazil. That run included the historic 7–1 win over Brazil, the Mineirazo, and a final win over Argentina.

His last years were disappointing (group stage exit in 2018 and Euro 2020), but his impact on Germany’s high-pressing, modern style remains foundational.

19. Rafa Benítez – The Polarising Strategist

• Nationality: Spanish
• Trophies Since 2000:
  • La Liga x2, UEFA Cup (Valencia)
  • Champions League (Liverpool, 2005)
  • Europa League (Chelsea, 2013)
  • Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana (Napoli)
  • Club World Cup (Inter, 2010)
  • Promotion and Championship (Newcastle)

Benítez is a master tactician with an eye for detail. At Valencia, he won La Liga in 2002 and 2004—their only titles in over 30 years—and added a UEFA Cup. In his first year at Liverpool, he won the 2005 Champions League, coming from 3–0 down against AC Milan.

His Chelsea stint in 2013 ended in Europa League glory, despite being booed every match. With Newcastle, he won promotion and stayed loyal during a conflict with owner Mike Ashley. His time at Everton and Celta Vigo ended quickly, proving his outdated man-management style often clashes with modern players.

18. Massimiliano Allegri – The Reluctant Champion

• Nationality: Italian
• Major Achievements:
  • Serie A x5 (Juventus, 2015–2019)
  • Coppa Italia x4
  • Champions League finalist x2
  • Over 1000 Serie A points
  • 41-match unbeaten home league run

Allegri succeeded Antonio Conte at Juventus and extended their dominance. His team reached two Champions League finals (2015 vs. Barcelona, and2017 vs. Real Madrid). Allegri is the only coach in history to win four domestic doubles in consecutive seasons.

He returned in 2021, but Juventus were docked 10 points for financial irregularities—he still nearly took them to the top four. He was sacked again in 2024 after arguing with club officials during the Coppa Italia final. His pragmatic style divides opinion, but the results don’t lie.

17. Hansi Flick – The Reluctant Hero Turned Mastermind

• Nationality: German
• Key Trophies:
  • Bundesliga x2
  • DFB Pokal (2020)
  • Champions League (2020)
  • FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup (2020)

Flick went from Bayern Munich assistant in 2019 to head coach, replacing Niko Kovač. What followed was a clean sweep: Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and an unbeaten Champions League campaign, including the 8–2 demolition of Barcelona.

His Bayern became the first club in history to win every match en route to a Champions League title. His Germany stint was poor, and he became the first German coach ever to be sacked after failing at the 2022 World Cup. In 2024, Barcelona hired him, and he has since led dominant wins against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

16. Thomas Tuchel – The Fixer of Broken Projects

• Nationality: German
• Key Achievements:
  • Ligue 1 (PSG, 2019–2020)
  • French Cup x2, Champions League finalist
  • Champions League (Chelsea, 2021)
  • 5 finals in 2 years at Chelsea

Tuchel succeeded Jurgen Klopp at Mainz and then led Borussia Dortmund to the DFB Pokal. At PSG, he won four domestic trophies in 2020 and reached the Champions League final. At Chelsea, he inherited a struggling team in January 2021 and won the Champions League four months later.

Tuchel also guided Chelsea to two FA Cup finals and a Club World Cup. He was sacked after a rift with Todd Boehly’s ownership. In 2023, he joined Bayern Munich, then left and was announced as England’s next manager in 2024.

15. Didier Deschamps – The Squad Whisperer

• Nationality: French
• Major Trophies:
  • 2018 FIFA World Cup
  • UEFA Nations League (2021)
  • Euro 2016 Finalist, World Cup 2022 Finalist

Deschamps has led France since 2012. Under him, they won the 2018 World Cup, reached the final of Euro 2016, and lost the 2022 World Cup final on penalties. He’s the first man since Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer to win the World Cup as a player and coach.

He prioritized squad balance over star power, getting the best out of players like Olivier Giroud (who didn’t score a goal in 2018 but played every match) and Paul Pogba. “The team is the star,” said Patrice Evra of Deschamps.

14. Lionel Scaloni – From No One to Number One

• Nationality: Argentine
• Honours:
  • Copa América 2021
  • Finalissima 2022
  • FIFA World Cup 2022

Initially mocked by Diego Maradona, who said, “He can’t even direct traffic,” Scaloni went on to do what no Argentina manager had done since 1986—win the World Cup.

He built his team around Lionel Messi, employed five different formations in seven matches, and won the Copa América in 2021. Messi praised him: “Scaloni knows how to suffer when he must suffer… He leaves nothing to chance.”

13. Roberto Mancini – The Elegant Enforcer

• Nationality: Italian
• Key Titles:
  • Premier League (Man City, 2012)
  • Serie A x3 (Inter)
  • FA Cup (2011), Euro 2020 (Italy)

Mancini brought Manchester City their first league title in 44 years in 2012, scoring twice in stoppage time to beat QPR on the final day—he managed Inter to three league titles and Italy to a Euro 2020 triumph, winning the final against England at Wembley.

In 2022, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, and Mancini stepped down. He then took over Saudi Arabia’s national team, further cementing his nomadic, yet successful path.

12. Unai Emery – The Europa League Collector

• Nationality: Spanish
• Honours:
  • Europa League x4 (3 with Sevilla, 1 with Villarreal)
  • Ligue 1 (PSG, 2017–18)
  • Champions League qualification with Aston Villa (2023–24)

Emery’s meticulous tactics led Sevilla to three straight Europa League wins. At PSG, he reclaimed Ligue 1 but suffered the infamous 6–1 loss to Barcelona. At Arsenal, he reached the 2019 Europa League final but was sacked months later.

He won the 2021 Europa League with Villarreal—his fourth, a record—beating Manchester United. In 2023–24, he led Aston Villa to Champions League qualification and beat Bayern Munich in Europe.

11. Arsène Wenger – The Professor Who Revolutionised English Soccer

• Nationality: French
• Arsenal Achievements Since 2000:
  • Premier League (2001–02, 2003–04)
  • FA Cup x5 (2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017)
  • Champions League Finalist (2006)
  • Unbeaten League Season (2003–04)

Wenger ushered in a new era of fitness, nutrition, and style in English soccer. His ‘Invincibles’ of 2003–04 remain the only Premier League team to go a season unbeaten. Between 2000 and 2017, Wenger led Arsenal to 19 consecutive Champions League qualifications; plenty of people regard him as one of the best soccer managers of all time.

Though he endured a 9-year trophy drought, he finished with 7 FA Cups, a record at the time. His greatest legacy may be the Emirates Stadium, symbolizing Arsenal’s transformation into a global brand. Sir Alex Ferguson famously said:“Arsène transformed Arsenal fantastically.”

10. Antonio Conte – The Short-Term Serial Winner

• Nationality: Italian
• Titles Since 2010:
  • Serie A x4 (Juventus x3, Inter x1)
  • Premier League (Chelsea, 2016–17)
  • FA Cup (2018)

Conte is the go-to manager for instant impact. He took Juventus from seventh to champions in his first year, won the Premier League with Chelsea with a record 30 wins, and led Inter to their first Scudetto in 11 years.

His time at Tottenham saw a miraculous top-four finish, but his tenure ended in a sensational press conference tirade where he accused players and owners of lacking ambition.

Despite never going past the Champions League quarter-finals, Conte’s domestic records are elite. In 2024, he took over Napoli, aiming for his third Serie A title with a third club.

9. Luis Enrique – The Rebuilder of Barcelona and Spain

• Nationality: Spanish
• Trophies with Barcelona:
  • La Liga x2 (2014–15, 2015–16)
  • Copa del Rey x3
  • Champions League (2015)
  • Super Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup

Luis Enrique took over a fractured Barcelona in 2014 and built one of the most feared teams in history. The MSN trio—Messi, Suárez, Neymar—fired the club to a historic treble in 2015. He won 9 trophies in 3 seasons, tying with Guardiola’s early success.

He later led Spain to the Euro 2020 semi-final and returned to club football in 2023 with PSG, winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France in his first season.

8. Vicente del Bosque – The Silent Winner

• Nationality: Spanish
• Major Titles:
  • Champions League x2 (Real Madrid)
  • La Liga x2
  • World Cup (2010), Euro (2012)
  • UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup

Del Bosque won 7 trophies in 3.5 seasons at Real Madrid, including the 2000 and 2002 Champions Leagues. Sacked in 2003 (a day after winning La Liga), he proved his worth by leading Spain to their first World Cup (2010) and then the 2012 Euro title, completing a golden era.

He managed the most gifted squad in history—with Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Ramos—and yet, remained humble, unflappable, and loved by his players.

7. Diego Simeone – The Relentless Warrior of Atlético

• Nationality: Argentine
• Key Titles:
  • La Liga x2 (2014, 2021)
  • Europa League x2
  • Champions League Finalist x2 (2014, 2016)
  • Copa del Rey (2013)

When Simeone took over Atlético Madrid in 2011, they were closer to relegation than Real Madrid. In the 12 full seasons since, Atlético has finished in the top 4 every year, reached 2 Champions League finals (both lost to Real Madrid in heartbreaking fashion), and lifted 8 trophies.

His ‘Cholismo’ identity—defensive grit, loyalty, counter-attacks—became synonymous with the club. Under him, they moved into the Wanda Metropolitano and became financially and competitively stable. He’s the longest-serving manager in La Liga history.

6. Zinedine Zidane – The Calm Collector of Cups

• Nationality: French
• Major Trophies:
  • La Liga x2
  • Champions League x3 (2016, 2017, 2018)
  • Supercopa de España x2
  • UEFA Super Cup x2
  • FIFA Club World Cup x2

Zidane’s first coaching job was at Real Madrid, and he won 3 straight Champions League titles, a feat never accomplished before. He was often accused of being lucky, but managing egos like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos, and Bale in Madrid’s pressure cooker is anything but easy.

After his resignation in 2018, Real collapsed. He returned in 2019 and won another La Liga title in the pandemic season. In total, he managed 263 matches and won 11 major trophies in 5 seasons.

5. Jürgen Klopp – The Visionary Who Awakened Sleeping Giants

• Nationality: German
• Trophies Since 2010:
  • Bundesliga x2 (Dortmund)
  • DFB Pokal
  • Premier League (Liverpool, 2019–20)
  • Champions League (2019)
  • FA Cup, League Cup, Super Cup, Club World Cup

Klopp, easily one of the most successful soccer managers, broke Bayern Munich’s monopoly with Borussia Dortmund, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 and reaching the 2013 Champions League final. At Liverpool, he revived a broken club, winning their first league title in 30 years, the Champions League, and reaching three UCL finals.

Under Klopp, Liverpool became a global identity of pressing, speed, and emotion. When he announced his departure in 2024, tributes poured in from all corners of soccer.

4. José Mourinho – The Self-Proclaimed Special One

• Nationality: Portuguese
• Major Honors:
  • Champions League x2 (Porto 2004, Inter 2010)
  • League Titles in 4 Countries
  • UEFA Cup, Europa League, Conference League

Mourinho introduced himself to England in 2004 as “The Special One” and immediately won the Premier League with a record 95 points. He’s the only manager to win the Champions League with two clubs from different countries.

His Inter team of 2010 won the Italian treble, his Chelsea side was the most dominant in the league’s early 2000s, and he delivered Roma their first European trophy in 2022 (Conference League).

Though his style has declined, Mourinho remains soccer’s greatest showman and most successful pragmatist.

3. Sir Alex Ferguson – The Empire Builder

• Nationality: Scottish
• Trophies Since 2000:
  • Premier League x6 (2000–13)
  • Champions League (2008)
  • FA Cup, League Cups x4, Club World Cup

Even if we only count Sir Alex Ferguson’s 21st-century accomplishments, he still outperforms most. He beat back Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City, reimagined United squads every 4–5 years and made United the most dominant team in Europe for over a decade.

His retirement in 2013 left a void the club has never filled—7 managers in 11 years later, the club remains in search of that consistency. Fergie was soccer’s ultimate long-term visionary and short-term winner.

2. Carlo Ancelotti – The Ultimate Player’s Manager

• Nationality: Italian
• Record:
  • 5 Champions League Titles (AC Milan x2, Real Madrid x3)
  • League Titles in England, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy

Ancelotti is the only manager in soccer history to win all five major European leagues. His ‘quiet leadership’, as he called it, is his strength. He may receive criticism for being “too soft,” but no one can ignore his record.

In his second stint at Real Madrid, he’s added 2 La Liga titles, 2 Champions Leagues, 2 Spanish Super Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups, and 2 FIFA Club World Cups since 2021. After a low-profile stint at Everton, he returned to Madrid and immediately re-established himself at the top of European soccer.

1. Pep Guardiola – The Tactician Who Transformed Soccer

• Nationality: Spanish
• Career Since 2008:
  • La Liga x3 (Barcelona)
  • Bundesliga x3 (Bayern)
  • Premier League x6 (Man City)
  • Champions League x3 (2009, 2011, 2023)
  • Club World Cup x4
  • UEFA Super Cup x4

Guardiola has won 12 league titles in 14 seasons. His Barcelona team (2008–12) was arguably the greatest ever, his Bayern Munich broke German records, and at Manchester City, he built the most dominant English team in history.

In 2023, he won the treble, and in 2024, City became the first English club to win four consecutive league titles.

P.S. You might like to know about the best soccer players to ever grace the pitch.