ESPN ranked current European head coaches based on multiple dimensions, selecting the 30 best coaches in the league.

How were the 30 best coaches selected?

ESPN stated that approximately 50 head coaches were initially shortlisted, and after consulting with industry professionals, the list was narrowed down to 30. These 30 candidates were then scored across six criteria, with the combined score forming the final ranking.

1. Coaching Insight: The ability to apply coaching principles to the game environment, physical preparation, and in-game management.
2. Tactical Style: The appeal of the football style. Spectacular play is crucial here, as is the coach's ability to proactively control the game (rather than passively, i.e., by playing on the counter). Offensive football receives a higher score.
3. People Management: Motivational skills and the ability to elicit the best performance from the team. Players' responsiveness to the coach and their commitment to the coach.
4. Communication: The manager's ability to instill trust in their project internally, with club directors and players, and with the outside world (media, supporters). Their ability to clearly convey their message through precise wording and public relations skills.
5. Historical Achievement: A track record of success and results. While trophies are the primary measure of achievement in football, other accomplishments are equally important, such as winning promotion, steering a team out of relegation, guiding an underdog team to European competition, or performing well despite limited resources.
6. X-Factor: The ability to generate unexpected results and generate new ideas. Future consideration for senior management positions. Ability to recover quickly from slumps.

Specific rankings and scores:

1. Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain): 86/100
2. Sloter (Liverpool): 85/100
3. Guardiola (Manchester City): 84/100
4. Alonso (Real Madrid): 77/100
5. Flick (Barcelona): 76/100
6. Arteta (Arsenal): 75/100
7. Conte (Napoli): 73/100
8. Inzaghi (Riyadh Newcastle): 74/100 =Month): 72/100
9. Gasperini (Roma): 71/100
10. Valverde (Athletic Bilbao): 69/100
11. Unai Emery (Aston Villa): 67/100
12. Maresca (Chelsea): 67/100
13. Iraola (Bournemouth): 65/100
14. Glasner (Crystal Palace): 64/100
15. Eddie Howe (Newcastle United): 63/100
16. Simeone (Atlético Madrid): 61/100
17. Frank (Tottenham Hotspur): 61/100
18. De Zerbi (Marseille): 60/100
19. Kompany (Bayern Munich): 60/100
20. Allegri (AC Milan): 59/100
21. Motta (unemployed): 58/100
22. Postecoglou (unemployed): 57/100
23. Rodgers (Celtic) : 57/100
24. Amorim (Manchester United): 56/100
25. Marco Silva (Fulham): 56/100
26. Erik ten Hag (Leverkusen): 55/100
27. Helzler (Brighton): 54/100
28. David Moyes (Everton): 53/100
29. Nuno Santos (Nottingham Forest): 52/100
30. Topolmøre (Eintracht Frankfurt): 51/100