Players this, players that.
What players are destined for big summer moves? What youngsters are ready to take the next step? Blah, blah, blah.
It’s about time we shined the light on the tacticians, the masterminds, the motivators, the most scrutinised. That’s right, the managers.
In a day and age where Jose Mourinho is (apparently) past his sell-by date and Jurgen Klopp is the prototype for the ‘modern-day manager’, plenty of big European clubs will be looking to appoint coaches who align themselves with the German’s ideology in the coming years.
And at a time where Frank Lampard, Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earned top-level coaching jobs with little to nowt head-coaching experience, those listed below were just some of the names their respective clubs overlooked.
But don’t fear, these seven names are poised to take a step-up in management soon.
Marco Rose
Following a successful stint in charge of Red Bull Salzburg, Marco Rose has established himself as one of Europe’s hottest coaching properties in his debut season at the helm of Borussia Monchengladbach.
A tactically flexible coach who encourages intricate build-up play from the back and his front men to constantly interchange, Rose certainly fits the bill as a modern-day manager.
Die Fohlen were the surprise package of the Hinrunde as they executed Rose’s ‘positional play’ philosophy superbly and often counter-pressed their opponents into submission.
While a post-winter break dip in form saw Rose’s side slip somewhat down the table, that shouldn’t take away from what’s been a masterclass in coaching from the German. He’ll be a high priority for many teams over the next year or two.
Jesse Marsch
Jesse Marsch’s half-time team talk to his talented Salzburg side as they came into the break 3-1 down to Liverpool at Anfield highlighted the sort of coach he is.
A passionate American who coaches with the heart on his suit sleeve, Marsch is another promising manager to have developed under the Red Bull dynasty.
Since his arrival in 2019, Marsh’s principles have fit wonderfully at Die Mozartstädter – following the Red Bull ideology of expansive, entertaining football paired with an intense counter and high press along with rapid counter-attacks.
Despite being in the home dugout of the Austrian giants for a matter of months, Marsch already looks destined for a step-up at the end of the never-ending season. Borussia Dortmund is an intriguing possibility if BVB part ways with Lucien Favre.
Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann was determined to become a Bundesliga coach when his dreams of making it as a player were cut short at the age of 19.
And following unthinkable success at Hoffenheim as the youngest Bundesliga coach in history, Nagelsmann has continued to excel at RB Leipzig in his debut season at the club.
His knack of improving players has been on full display- see Christopher Nkunku and Patrik Schick – while his attention to detail and obsession over tactics means he’s one of the most tactically versatile managers in Europe. Overall, Nagelsmann’s Leipzig are a tremendous watch; they play so vertically, combine brilliantly, are deadly in transition and are remarkably fierce out of possession.
They’re such a coherent unit in all phases of play, and it’s all down to the genius of Nagelsmann; Europe’s hottest coaching prospect.
José Bordalás
With over 19 years of experience and 12 clubs on his coaching résumé, José Bordalás is certainly the most seasoned on this list. But Getafe’s success story with the Spaniard at the helm has shown he’s ready to finally take the next step in his career.
After guiding the Azulones back into La Liga in his debut campaign, Bordalás albeit unfashionable but efficient methods helped Getafe finish eighth then fifth in the top-flight, before a slight hiccup prior to the universal suspension saw them slip down to fifth in La Liga this season after occupying third for much of the campaign.
The 56-year-old’s style is atypical of the ‘Spanish way’, with Bordalás’ side built around a rigid defence and a direct, long-ball attack.
While his philosophy may not attract Europe’s elite, the work Bordalás has done at a financially restricted club just can’t go unnoticed. Diego Simeone, meanwhile, recently proved the ‘anti-football’ philosophy can still be successful in 2020.
Roberto De Zerbi
From Stefano Sensi to Merih Demiral, Sassuolo are widely regarded as a stepping stone for players to reach Europe’s finest. Now, they have a manager who might make a similar leap.
Roberto De Zerbi rose to prominence as a coach at Benevento, a club he guided to an unlikely Serie A promotion before being appointed the Sassuolo boss in the summer of 2018.
And while I Neroverdi finished mid-table in De Zerbi’s maiden campaign and struggled for much of the current halted season, the 40-year-old Italian has nonetheless done a fine job with a limited amount of resources at his disposal. Under De Zerbi, Sassuolo have become a side who can not only retain the ball very well but can also transition into attack at a frightening pace.
The Italian boss should also be credited for rejuvenating the careers of both Jeremie Boga and Manuel Locatelli and overall, a switch to a bigger Serie A club looks likely for De Zerbi in the future.
Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag made a name for himself amid Ajax’s remarkable Champions League run last season where his updated version of ‘Total Football’ blew away European giants Real Madrid and Juventus.
Ajax’s ability to overload the flanks was superb, while their quick one-touch combination play was something to behold. Ten Hag had the Dutch outfit playing some tremendous stuff, something we hadn’t seen out of Amsterdam since 1995.
While the departures of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong in the summer saw Ajax fail to replicate their miraculous success this season, ten Hag’s ideals and principles are an attractive fit for most top clubs in the current climate.
Gian Piero Gasperini
Running Bordalás a close second in terms of experience is Gian Piero Gasperini, the brains behind the most free-flowing team on the continent this season.
While Atalanta topped the Serie A scoring charts under Gasperini last season – mainly due to the goalscoring form of Duvan Zapata – they’ve gone on to reach new heights this time around, scoring 70 goals in 25 games. That’s a ridiculous average of 2.8 goals a game.
The 62-year-old’s tactics show he’s not your typical Italian manager. He asks his defenders to aggressively man-mark to force turnovers while his dynamic 3-4-3/3-4-1-2 has simply overwhelmed opponents on many occasions.
La Dea were poised to something special in Europe before Covid-19 came along, while Gasperini’s system saw Josip Ili?i? establish himself as the continents most in-form player.
Wouldn’t you just love to see Gasperini’s methods wreaking havoc at Juventus, re-establishing the Old Lady as a European powerhouse?
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