In the thrilling and fiercely competitive football season of 2022/23, a group of exceptional managers has emerged as the driving force behind their respective teams’ success. With their astute tactical acumen, unwavering leadership, and ability to inspire their players to reach new heights, these top five managers have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. From strategic masterminds to motivators extraordinaire, each manager on this illustrious list has navigated their team through treacherous waters, defying expectations and forging a path to glory. As the season unfolds, their brilliance shines through, captivating fans and leaving an indelible mark on the football landscape. Let’s delve into the realms of these managerial maestros and celebrate their remarkable achievements in the 2022/23 football season.
Pep GuardiolaClub - Manchester City
Pep Guardiola, the esteemed maestro of Manchester City, has once again ascended to the summit of managerial excellence, securing the prestigious title of Premier League Manager of the Season for the remarkable 2022/23 campaign. This glorious victory marks Guardiola’s fourth time claiming this honour, as he had previously triumphed in the seasons of 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2020/21. Throughout the season, Guardiola orchestrated a remarkable feat, guiding his City squad to their third consecutive Premier League title, a feat rarely achieved in the modern era of English football. And their conquests did not stop there. On Saturday they claimed the FA Cup against Manchester United. The fans will now look forward to the grand clash with Inter in the Champions League final next weekend. However, the road to success was not without its challenges. City spent a significant portion of the season chasing the formidable Arsenal, who occupied the top spot for an astonishing 248 days—a Premier League record for a team that ultimately fell short of clinching the title. With this recent triumph, Guardiola now finds himself in esteemed company, trailing only the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in the number of times winning this illustrious award, with the Manchester United icon claiming it a remarkable 11 times. In the realm of football management, Pep Guardiola’s brilliance knows no bounds. His strategic genius, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence have solidified his place among the greatest minds the game has ever witnessed.
Luciano SpallettiClub - SSC Napoli
The football gods smiled upon Napoli as they embarked on a remarkable journey, guided by the subtle strategist, Luciano Spalletti. The 2022/23 season unfolded in a truly magical fashion, as the Neapolitan giants shattered a 33-year drought and reclaimed the Scudetto with unparalleled style. Under the astute stewardship of Spalletti, Napoli’s domestic campaign was a symphony of brilliance, orchestrated by the dynamic duo of Victor Osimhen and the sensational emerging talent, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. With an air of invincibility, Napoli left their competitors in their wake, soaring to an unprecedented Serie A title. It was a romp, a masterclass in dominance that will be etched in the memories of fans for generations to come. Remarkably, it took Spalletti a staggering 553 games to reach the pinnacle of Italian football—an unparalleled journey for any title-winning coach. At 64 years young, he defied the odds, becoming the oldest tactician to conquer the summit. Yet, amidst the jubilation, a bittersweet tinge clouds the celebration, as Spalletti has made the decision to part ways with the club. It is a melancholic note to end a fairy-tale season, leaving fans to cherish the memories and wonder what lies ahead for both Napoli and their esteemed wily tactician.
XaviClub - FC Barcelona
The winds of change swept through Barcelona, leaving behind a season that may not be deemed vintage by their lofty standards. Yet, amidst the turbulence, the rise of Xavi as a fledgling coach cannot be overshadowed. Despite his relative inexperience at the top level, the maestro has orchestrated a triumph worthy of applause. Admittedly, the traditional powerhouse of Real Madrid faltered, lacking their usual ferocity, and early exits from both the Champions League and Europa League cast a shadow. However, Xavi’s youthful battalion embraced the moment, seizing the opportunity that fate had presented. With grit and determination, they secured a long-awaited La Liga crown, ending a four-year title drought that had tested the patience of the faithful. And let us not forget the Supercopa de Espana, an added feather in their cap. Xavi’s ascent as a coach has been swift, and his impact is undeniable. In the face of adversity, he rallied his troops, instilling a belief that transcended his own limited experience. Barcelona’s season may not have glittered with the brilliance of yesteryears, but under Xavi’s tutelage, they rediscovered their mettle and emerged triumphant.
Urs FischerClub - Union Berlin
A tale woven with the threads of sheer brilliance unfolded in the realm of European football during the unforgettable 2022/23 campaign. Union Berlin, the spirited underdogs, etched their name in the annals of sporting folklore as they secured a coveted place in the hallowed grounds of the Champions League. Guided by the enigmatic and humble Swiss maestro, Urs Fischer, this remarkable journey showcases the indomitable spirit of a club that was a mere fledgling in the German top-flight back in 2019.Fischer’s magic lies not only in his tactical prowess but also in his ability to breathe life into a squad of unsung heroes. Through a captivating blend of high-intensity, counter-attacking football, Union Berlin defied all odds, harnessing the collective strength of relatively unknown players. Their meteoric rise, built upon Conference and Europa League qualifications in recent seasons, culminated in a historic achievement—a first-ever berth in Europe’s premier competition.This extraordinary tale of Union Berlin illuminates the power of resilience, the beauty of the underdog, and the captivating nature of football’s untold narratives. As they prepare to grace the grand stage of the Champions League, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this awe-inspiring journey.
Roberto De ZerbiClub - Brighton & Hove Albion FC
In the realm of football dreams, a mesmerizing tale unfolds on the picturesque south coast, where Brighton embarks on an extraordinary journey in the Europa League. The orchestrator of this fantastical narrative is none other than the enigmatic Italian maestro, Roberto De Zerbi, whose tenure at the helm has ignited a Football Manager-esque reverie. With a deft touch, De Zerbi has forged a young squad, blending the wisdom of Premier League veterans with the cunning acquisitions handpicked by Brighton’s unheralded scouting department. The 2022/23 season witnessed the manifestation of this alchemical formula. Brighton dazzled spectators with sublime football, painting the pitch with strokes of sheer brilliance. Their net bulged with the ecstasy of gorgeous goals, and in a stunning ascent, they soared to their highest-ever league finish—a feat that unlocked the gates to European glory for the first time in the club’s history. Such ecstasy has transformed the hitherto unimaginable into a tangible reality—a realm where dreams intersect with the beautiful game. As Brighton’s adventure in the Europa League beckons, an enchanting chapter awaits, poised to etch itself in the history of football folklore.