As the new football season progresses and clubs begin to feel pressure, several high-profile managers remain available on the market, potentially eyeing struggling clubs or future vacancies. Football365 has compiled a list of the top 10 best managers currently without a club.
From Marcelino to Thomas Frank
Ranking 10th on the list is Marcelino, known for leading Villarreal back into the Champions League before walking away. At age 60, questions remain regarding whether he has finished with management. In 9th place is Roberto Martinez, recognized for taking Belgium to a World Cup semi-final and winning the Nations League with Portugal, though his style involves catering to senior players. Vitor Pereira sits 8th after restoring his reputation by keeping Nottingham Forest in the top flight, positioning himself for another Premier League opportunity when mid-season panic sets in.
Thomas Frank ranks 7th following a difficult spell at Tottenham Hotspur that left him with the lowest win ratio of any permanent Spurs manager. However, his previous success at Brentford means he will likely remain in demand despite the challenges of transitioning from an analytics-driven club to a major side.
Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte, and Arne Slot
Eddie Howe takes the 6th spot after leaving Newcastle United following a tough Premier League campaign and challenging transfer business, raising speculation about a potential move to Manchester United or an international role. Antonio Conte ranks 5th after capturing a Serie A title and an Italian Super Cup with Napoli before departing. While linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, working at Manchester United is viewed as an unlikely fit for his managerial style.
Arne Slot sits 4th on the list as one of the few managers to win the Premier League title with Liverpool. Although adept at managing an existing squad, a difficult rebuilding phase ultimately cost him his job, and he currently prefers club football over the Netherlands national team vacancy.
Julian Nagelsmann, Didier Deschamps, and Pep Guardiola
Julian Nagelsmann is placed 3rd. Despite a hit to his reputation from Germany’s World Cup exit, the 39-year-old former Bayern Munich boss retains high standing and could emerge as a candidate for a Premier League giant if Manchester United parts ways with Michael Carrick.
Didier Deschamps ranks 2nd as the only World Cup-winning manager on the list. After stepping down from his long tenure with France due to an unbearable environment, his future remains uncertain regarding a return to coaching or public speaking. At the top of the list in 1st place is Pep Guardiola, who earned a break after a trophy-laden decade at Manchester City, with future speculation surrounding whether he will return to management to prove his success independently.
