The 5 Best Soccer Coaches in World Football

• Teams Coached: Manchester United, East Stirlingshire, St Mirren, Aberdeen, Scotland
• Years Active: 1974-2013

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the most revered and iconic figures in the history of soccer coaching. As the legendary manager of Manchester United, he transformed the club into a footballing powerhouse and left an indelible mark on the sport. With an unparalleled record of success and a storied career that spanned over 26 years, his impact on soccer is nothing short of extraordinary.

Sir Alex Ferguson's managerial style was characterized by his relentless drive for excellence, unparalleled work ethic, and ability to nurture and develop young talent. He instilled a winning mentality in his players, demanding nothing short of their absolute best on and off the field. His "hairdryer treatment," known for its passionate and fiery delivery, became legendary among players and fans alike.

Under Sir Alex's leadership, Manchester United won an incredible 13 English Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. His "Class of '92" – a group of talented young players that included David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and others – became the backbone of the team and achieved remarkable feats under his guidance.

In 2013, he announced his retirement from management, leaving an irreplaceable void at Manchester United. His farewell marked the end of an era and the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in the history of soccer coaching.

• Teams Coached: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City
• Years Active: 2007- Active

Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative soccer coaches of his generation. His tactical brilliance, coaching philosophy, and impressive track record have earned him a place among the greatest managers in the history of the sport. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and his deep understanding of the game, Guardiola has left an indelible mark on the teams he has coached and has redefined modern soccer.

In 2008, Guardiola took over as FC Barcelona's coach, a role that would prove to be transformative for the club and the world of soccer. Under his guidance, Barcelona achieved unparalleled success, winning an impressive 14 trophies in just four years, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles. Guardiola's team, renowned for its possession-based "tiki-taka" style of play, mesmerized opponents and captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.

After leaving Barcelona in 2012, Guardiola went on to coach Bayern Munich in Germany, where he continued his winning ways, securing three consecutive Bundesliga titles and further enhancing his reputation as a tactical mastermind.

In 2016, Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in the English Premier League. His arrival marked a new era for the club, with his innovative coaching methods and attacking style of play revolutionizing the team's approach to the game. Under Guardiola's guidance, Manchester City recently just won the treble and are poised for even more success.

• Teams Coached: Ajax, Barcelona, Netherlands, Bayer Leverkusen, JOS, A.F.C., 1. FC Kölin, Los Angeles Aztecs,
• Years Active: 1954-1992

Rinus Michels, known as the "father of Dutch football," was a pioneering and influential soccer coach whose innovative ideas and coaching methods revolutionized the sport. In the 1960s, Michels emerged as a visionary coach, pioneering the development of "Total Football" – a revolutionary tactical system that emphasized fluid positions, constant movement, and the ability of players to interchange positions seamlessly. He believed in the importance of players being tactically versatile and capable of adapting to various roles on the field.

Michels' most iconic coaching stint came during his time at AFC Ajax, where he led the team to unprecedented success. Under his guidance, Ajax won multiple Eredivisie titles and three consecutive European Cups (now UEFA Champions League) from 1971 to 1973. His Ajax side showcased a brand of football that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also tactically astute, dominating opponents with their fluidity and relentless pressing.

Rinus Michels' coaching principles and innovative ideas continue to inspire generations of coaches and players worldwide. His emphasis on tactical versatility, pressing, and fluidity has become a staple of modern football, influencing some of the most successful coaches and teams in the world.

• Teams Coached: Ajax, Barcelona, Catalonia
• Years Active: 1985- 2013

Johan Cruyff, often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was a genius whose impact on the sport extended beyond his playing days. As a coach, Johan Cruyff continued to showcase his footballing genius and left an indelible mark on the sport with his innovative coaching philosophy and tactical acumen.

Cruyff's coaching journey began at Ajax Amsterdam, the club where he had achieved immense success as a player. In 1985, he took charge of Ajax as head coach, and it was during this period that he solidified his reputation as a visionary tactician. Drawing from his experiences as a player under Rinus Michels and his time as a coach at Barcelona, Cruyff implemented the principles of "Total Football" at Ajax, instilling a possession-based, attacking style of play.

Cruyff's most significant coaching achievement came during his tenure at FC Barcelona from 1988 to 1996. He returned to the club where he had made an unforgettable impact as a player and reinvigorated the Barcelona spirit with his "Cruyffism" approach to the game. His vision for the club went beyond the field, as he emphasized the importance of developing youth players through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.

• Teams Coached: ADO Den Haag, San Francisco Gales, Feijenoord, Sevilla, Club Brugge, Netherlands, Harelbeke, Standard Liège, Hamburger SV, Swarovski Tirol, Austria
• Years Active: 1962- 1992

Ernst Happel was a legendary Austrian soccer player and coach, renowned for his remarkable achievements on and off the field. Born on November 29, 1925, in Vienna, Austria, Happel's impact on the sport extends from his illustrious playing career to his exceptional coaching achievements.

One of Happel's most notable coaching achievements came in 1970 when he led Feyenoord Rotterdam to a historic victory in the UEFA European Cup (now UEFA Champions League). Feyenoord defeated Celtic 2-1 in the final, becoming the first Dutch club to win the prestigious European competition.

Happel's coaching brilliance continued in 1978 when he guided the Netherlands national team to the FIFA World Cup final held in Argentina. Known as the "Oranje" team, the Netherlands displayed an attractive and attacking style of play, inspired by his tactical guidance. Although they were runners-up in the tournament, their performances earned them admiration and praise from football fans around the world.

Happel's coaching legacy continued to inspire future generations of coaches and players long after his time. His impact on the sport was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his coaching career.