Manolo Marquez has been chosen as the next head coach for the Indian national men’s football team. He will continue managing his current Indian Super League (ISL) team for another year while preparing for his new role. After this year, he will focus entirely on the national team.
The decision came from a meeting held by the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee on Saturday at AIFF Football House. This choice was made considering the current financial situation of the AIFF. Marquez brings a wealth of experience and is expected to bring fresh energy and expertise to Indian football.
Marquez has the capability to take the underlooked youngsters and make them into finely polished individuals; a trait that makes him a great coach/manager for the team.
Let’s look at the top 10 greatest managers in the history of the game.
10. Giovanni Trapattoni – 23 Titles
Giovanni Trapattoni, affectionately known as “Trap,” is one of the few managers to have coached all three Italian giants: Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Trapattoni’s illustrious career boasts 23 titles, with the majority coming during his tenure with Juventus. Under his guidance, Juventus secured six Serie A titles, the European Cup, the UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, cementing his legacy as a tactical genius.
9. Jose Mourinho – 25 Titles
Known for his charismatic personality and tactical acumen, Jose Mourinho has bagged 25 titles across several top clubs, including Porto, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. Mourinho continues to pursue silverware, with his previous triumphs including multiple league titles, domestic cups, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
8. Ottmar Hitzfeld – 25 Titles
Ottmar Hitzfeld’s managerial career began in Switzerland, however he tasted success in the German Bundesliga. Managing Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Hitzfeld won seven Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. His total of 25 titles shows his ability to build and lead successful teams in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
7. Carlo Ancelotti – 28 Titles
Carlo Ancelotti stands out as the only manager to have won league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues. With a career spanning multiple top clubs, Ancelotti has won five Champions League titles, four UEFA Super Cups, and numerous domestic trophies. His recent success with Real Madrid in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final adds to his impressive tally of 28 titles.
6. Luiz Felipe Scolari – 26 Titles
Luiz Felipe Scolari is celebrated for his successful stints with teams like Palmeiras, Gremio, and the Brazil national team. Scolari’s career highlights include winning the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and a total of 26 titles, showcasing his ability to lead teams to international and domestic glory.
5. Jock Stein – 26 Titles
A legend in Scottish football, Jock Stein’s 26 titles were all won with Celtic during a remarkable 13-year tenure. Stein led Celtic to numerous league titles and domestic cups and his influence extended to managing Leeds United and the Scotland national team.
4. Valeriy Lobanovskyi – 29 Titles
Valeriy Lobanovskyi is renowned for his innovative tactics, including the ‘False 9’ position and ‘Total Football’ style. Managing Dynamo Kyiv, Lobanovskyi won 29 titles, including two UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups and a UEFA Super Cup.
3. Mircea Lucescu – 32 Titles
Romanian manager Mircea Lucescu has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, winning 32 titles. Lucescu’s achievements include a UEFA Super Cup with Galatasaray in 2000 and numerous domestic league titles with clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk, Besiktas, and Zenit St. Petersburg.
2. Pep Guardiola – 39 Titles
Pep Guardiola, a modern tactical genius, has already secured 39 trophies with teams like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Known for his innovative playing style and emphasis on possession, Guardiola has led his teams to multiple league titles and domestic cups. His recent treble with Manchester City in the 2023-24 season, including the Premier League title, cements his place among the greatest managers.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson – 48 Titles
Topping the list is Sir Alex Ferguson, whose unparalleled career saw him win 48 titles. Spending 27 years at Manchester United, Ferguson’s tenure included 13 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Before his legendary spell at United, Ferguson led Aberdeen to 10 titles in the Scottish division. His extraordinary success and enduring influence make him the greatest football manager in history.
These ten managers have not only accumulated an impressive array of titles but have also shaped the modern game with their leadership and ability to inspire greatness in their teams. Their legacies continue to influence aspiring managers and players around the world.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
