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June 20, 2024
The role of a football manager often goes under the radar in the modern game. In Saudi Arabia for example, Luis Castro has finally managed to get the best version of Ronaldo, after a quite troubled period for the Portuguese forward.
The end of the 2023-24 European season also showcased the importance of an experienced head of the touchline, with Carlo Ancelotti ensuring Real Madrid lived up to the expectations of the football betting odds when his side beat Borussia Dortmund to win the Champions League. The Italian, who already coached Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid in the past, became the most decorated coach in the competition’s history and showed his knowledge and tactical acumen over young coach Edin Terzić. Indeed, the Dortmund manager has been two games away from the Bundesliga and Champions League throughout his tenure in the Bundesliga, and at just 41 years old, there is plenty of time left for the Croatian to get his hands on silverware. The European game is producing a conveyor belt of young managerial talent, but who is leading the way as the top managerial prospects? Read on as we look at six of the world's best managers with the highest potential.
Cristiano Ronaldo - All his goals in the Saudi Pro League 2023-2024:
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this season. The Spaniard arrived on the South coast with limited resources and the pressure of replacing Gary O'Neil, a popular figure who ensured the Cherries survived in the first year back in England's top flight.
Iraola changed the culture of the club, gradually integrating his more attacking-based style that saw striker Dominic Solanke score 19 goals and another season of Premier League football.
English manager Will Still rose to stardom in 2023 when it was revealed that the Reims had to pay £22,000 whenever he took charge of a game because he did not hold a UEFA Pro Licence qualification. Still, who is just 30 years old, departed Reims this summer, and while many people expected him to head back home and manage in either the Premier League or Championship, he remains in France to take charge of Lens.
"We are delighted with the arrival of Will Still," said Lens sporting director Pierre Dreossi.
"He left his mark on Reims and was our top priority to take up the post. He is a promising coach, a fine tactician and is obsessed with winning."
English manager Will Still rose to stardom in 2023 when it was revealed that the Reims had to pay £22,000 whenever he took charge of a game because he did not hold a UEFA Pro Licence qualification. Still, who is just 30 years old, departed Reims this summer, and while many people expected him to head back home and manage in either the Premier League or Championship, he remains in France to take charge of Lens.
A prospect from the Pep Guardiola class of coaches, Enzo Maresca took the plunge into solo management with Leicester City and ensured the Foxes won the Championship and earnt promotion first time of asking. The Italian is meticulous and after an impressive season in the East Midlands he was appointed as Chelsea manager for the upcoming season, where he will have to try and impress the cutthroat Tod Bohely in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
During his playing days Thiago Motta suggested a formation that was so attacking it only had two defenders, and while the former Paris Saint Germain player has yet to fully fledge that system, he has done a remarkable job in Italy, earning Bologna a coveted place in the Champions League.
His man management and ability to improve players such as Riccardo Calafiori and Lewis Ferguson ensure Bologna have an exciting young squad to embrace next season's challenges, but they may have to do so without Motta, who is linked with a role at Juventus.
Luís Castro, currently the manager of Al Nassr, has demonstrated exceptional coaching abilities, establishing himself as one of the most promising football managers globally.
His success is not only evident in his career trajectory, which includes stints at prestigious clubs like FC Porto, Botafogo or Shakhtar Donetsk, but also in his ability to maximize the potential of top players such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
At Al Nassr, Castro has successfully leveraged Ronaldo's experience and skill, ensuring the superstar remains highly productive and influential on the pitch. This accomplishment underscores Castro's tactical expertise and his capability to adapt strategies that enhance team performance. His career is marked by consistent improvement and innovation, making him a noteworthy figure in contemporary football management.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal is on June 22, against Turkey for the EURO 2024. You can watch Turkey vs Portugal, Slovenia vs Serbia, Spain vs Italy, Denmark vs England, Netherlands vs France and Poland vs Arsenal, all matches provided from our streaming soccer game pages.
Portugal next game:
Turkey vs Portugal kick-off time (22-06-2024):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 00:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 21:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+3: 19:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 15:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 14:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 13:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-3: 13:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-6: 10:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / afcb.co.uk / theanalyst.com
