Here you may discover the main football managers
1880s
1860s
1900s
1860s
1880s
Football has been shaped by both players and coaches. The history of football is filled with coaches who transformed teams and left lasting legacies. This article highlights some of the greatest coaches in football history.
The genesis of football coaching can be traced back to the early 20th century. Men like Herbert Chapman, who managed Huddersfield Town and Arsenal, were pioneers, introducing the WM formation and setting the foundation for modern football tactics. Chapman’s influence is still felt today, as he was among the first to employ scientific training methods and player analytics.
Post World War II, football saw a tactical evolution with coaches like Gusztáv Sebes, who led the Mighty Magyars of Hungary to unprecedented success in the early 1950s. Then came the legendary Rinus Michels, the Dutch maestro who introduced ‘Total Football’ to the world while managing Ajax and the Netherlands national team. His philosophy of fluid, interchangeable positions revolutionized the sport and influenced countless coaches after him.
The 1980s and 1990s heralded a new era of football, with coaches achieving success across different leagues in Europe. Arrigo Sacchi, the Italian tactician, broke the mold with his AC Milan side, winning back-to-back European Cups. His high-pressing, offside-trap system was a precursor to the modern high-intensity game. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson began his long and illustrious tenure at Manchester United, where he built one of the most successful teams in English football history, dominating the Premier League for over two decades.
The turn of the millennium brought forth a new breed of coaches who combined tactical acumen with man-management skills. José Mourinho, the ‘Special One’, made his mark with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, winning league titles and Champions Leagues with a pragmatic, counter-attacking style. Then there’s Pep Guardiola, whose Barcelona team played some of the most mesmerizing football ever seen, earning him a place among the greats.
As football continues to evolve, so too will the role of the coach. The future may see even more innovation, with technology and data analytics becoming integral to coaching strategies. The legacy of the greats will live on, inspiring new generations of coaches to leave their mark on the beautiful game.
Discover so much more about football history
