The Most Underrated Manager, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the manager you think is the most underrated!

Updated on May 9, 2024 07:00

Managers often operate behind the scenes, orchestrating teams, solving problems, and driving projects to completion. Yet, in the bustling world of business, some managers do not receive due recognition for their efforts and achievements. Identifying and ranking these underrated managers could shine a light on their valuable contributions and inspire others in similar roles. This site offers you the opportunity to voice your opinion by voting for managers who you believe deserve more acknowledgment. By casting your vote, you help generate a live ranking that not only highlights unrecognized talent but also provides insights into the qualities that make an effective manager. This process not only acknowledges those who excel quietly but also fosters a community of appreciation and recognition.

What Is the Most Underrated Manager?

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41
votes
Tanya Hart · CC BY-SA 2.0

Eddie Howe

Despite leading Bournemouth to the Premier League and keeping them there for five consecutive seasons, Howe is often overlooked due to the club's recent relegation. He is known for his tactical innovation and ability to develop young players.
Eddie Howe is a highly underrated manager in the football world. He has showcased exceptional managerial skills and achieved remarkable feats with limited resources. Known for his tactical prowess and ability to nurture young talent, Howe has successfully transformed several teams and guided them to impressive performances.

Tactical Adaptability: Howe is known for his ability to switch formations and adapt his tactics based on the opponent and match situation.

Youth Development: He has a strong track record of developing young players, providing them with opportunities to excel in their careers.

Promotion Success: Howe has led AFC Bournemouth to multiple promotions, taking them from the lower tiers of English football to the Premier League.

Stability and Consistency: Despite limited resources, Howe has ensured stability and consistent performances from his teams, establishing them as competitive forces.

Positive Playing Style: He advocates an attacking and possession-based style of play, which has garnered praise for its entertaining nature.
2

22
votes
jamesboyes · CC BY 2.0

Graham Potter

Graham Potter

Potter has impressed with his work at Swansea and Brighton, where he has implemented an attractive style of football and given opportunities to young players. He has also shown adaptability, successfully using a three-man defense at Brighton.
Graham Potter is a highly underrated football manager known for his tactical acumen and ability to maximize player potential. He is known for his emphasis on attacking football and developing young players within a cohesive team structure.

Tactical Acumen: Potter is known for his innovative and flexible approach to tactics, with a keen understanding of various formations and systems.

Player Development: He has a remarkable talent for nurturing young talents and helping them reach their full potential.

Attacking Football: Potter's teams are known for their attacking style of play, with an emphasis on quick transitions and creative movement on the pitch.

Versatility: He has shown the ability to adapt his tactics and formation depending on the opposition, making his teams difficult to predict and counter.

Man Management: Potter is praised for his excellent interpersonal skills, building strong relationships with his players, and creating a positive team spirit.
3

11
votes
Mathieu from Marseille, France · CC BY-SA 2.0

Marcelo Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa

Bielsa is a highly respected coach in the football world, known for his intense and demanding approach to training and his tactical intelligence. However, he has often been criticized for not winning enough trophies.
Marcelo Bielsa is an Argentine football manager known for his unique coaching philosophy and tactical approach.

Coaching Style: Intense and demanding

Tactical Approach: High pressing and attacking

Player Development: Focused on improving individual skills

Innovation: Uses unconventional methods to analyze opponents and prepare strategies

Attention to Detail: Analyzes every aspect of the game to find ways to gain an advantage
4

15
votes
Дмитрий Журавель · CC BY-SA 3.0

Rafa Benitez

Rafael Benitez

Despite winning multiple major trophies with Liverpool, Valencia, and Chelsea, Benitez has not always been appreciated for his ability to organize a team defensively and get the best out of his players. He has also worked under difficult circumstances at Newcastle United.
Rafa Benitez is a highly underrated manager in the world of football. He has achieved significant success throughout his career, yet often goes unrecognized for his accomplishments. Benitez is known for his tactical acumen, ability to motivate his players, and strong focus on creating a solid defensive structure. He is also adept at developing young talent and has a track record of success in cup competitions. Overall, Benitez's attention to detail, tactical flexibility, and ability to get the best out of his team make him a manager that deserves more recognition.

Tactical Acumen: High

Player Motivation: Strong

Defensive Organization: Excellent

Youth Development: Impressive

Cup Success: Notable
5

10
votes
Kelvin Stuttard · CC BY 2.0

Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche

Dyche has done an excellent job in establishing Burnley as a solid Premier League team on a limited budget. He is known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to get the best out of his players.
Sean Dyche is an English football manager who is often considered one of the most underrated managers in the game. He currently manages Burnley FC in the English Premier League and has gained recognition for his impressive work with limited resources. Dyche is known for his tactical acumen, strong man-management skills, and ability to build cohesive teams that are difficult to break down. Despite operating on a modest budget, he has led Burnley to multiple successful seasons, including qualifying for European competition. Dyche's approach emphasizes hard work, discipline, and team spirit, traits that are reflected in the playing style of his teams. His ability to get the best out of his players and achieve consistent results has earned him respect among his peers and fans alike. Dyche's dedication and commitment to his craft make him a highly respected figure in football management.

Nationality: English

Current club: Burnley FC

League: English Premier League

Tactical acumen: High

Man-management skills: Strong
6

12
votes
Carlos Delgado · CC BY-SA 3.0

Diego Simeone

Diego Simeone

Simeone has been highly successful at Atletico Madrid, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and reaching two Champions League finals. However, he is often overlooked in discussions of the world's top managers. He is known for his intense and passionate style of coaching.
Diego Simeone is an Argentine professional football manager known for his tactical prowess and the ability to motivate his players. He is the head coach of Atletico Madrid, a Spanish football club. Simeone's tactical approach often involves intense pressing, disciplined defending, and quick counter-attacking football.

Tactical Prowess: Known for his tactical astuteness and the ability to adapt his strategies according to the opponent.

Motivational Skills: Noted for his exceptional ability to inspire and motivate his players to perform at their best.

Defensive Discipline: Instilled a strong defensive mindset in his teams, making them hard to break down and score against.

Counter-Attacking Style: Favors a quick and direct style of play, relying on swift counter-attacks to catch opponents off guard.

Player Development: Known for improving the abilities and performances of individual players under his guidance.
7

13
votes
Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0

Julian Nagelsmann

Julian Nagelsmann

Nagelsmann is one of the most promising young coaches in Europe, having impressed with his work at Hoffenheim and now RB Leipzig. He is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to get the best out of young players.
Julian Nagelsmann is a highly talented and innovative football manager who has gained recognition for his remarkable achievements at a young age. He has consistently proven his ability to transform teams and enhance their performance through his tactical acumen and modern approach to the game. Nagelsmann's management style is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, adaptability, and emphasis on player development.

Age: 33

Current Team: Bayern Munich

Playing Career: FC Augsburg and 1860 Munich

Formation Preferences: Flexible, often preferring a 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1

Youth Development: Known for promoting young talents and nurturing their growth
8

7
votes
Светлана Бекетова · CC BY-SA 3.0

Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti has won multiple Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid, but is often overlooked in discussions of the world's top managers. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor and ability to get the best out of star players.
Carlo Ancelotti in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most handsome coach in the Premier League
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous football coach
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous living Italian
9

8
votes
Clément Bucco-Lechat · CC BY-SA 3.0

Antonio Conte

Conte won the Premier League in his first season with Chelsea and has also been successful at Juventus and Inter Milan. However, he is often criticized for his conservative tactics and lack of flexibility.
Antonio Conte is an Italian football manager known for his tactical prowess and disciplined approach to the game. He is often considered one of the most underrated managers in the world.

Systemic Tactical Approach: Conte is known for implementing a fluid and dynamic tactical system, often using a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation to optimize team balance and defensive solidity.

Organized and Disciplined Style: Conte's teams are famous for their disciplined and organized playing style, with meticulous attention to defensive positioning and team shape.

Focus on Team Spirit: Conte places a high emphasis on team spirit and unity, fostering a strong bond between players and creating a collective mentality.

Man Management Skills: Conte excels at man management, inspiring and motivating his players to give their best on the pitch.

Passion and Intensity: Known for his touchline antics and passionate demeanor, Conte's energy and intensity on the sidelines often translate to his teams' performances.
10

5
votes
Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel has impressed with his work at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Chelsea. He is known for his tactical innovation and ability to get the best out of his players, particularly in attack.
Thomas Tuchel in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most handsome coach in the Premier League
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Thomas

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Ranking factors for underrated manager

Results

The manager's ability to deliver results is essential. This includes the team's performance in the league, their ability to win trophies, and their overall progression.
Tactical knowledge

The manager's ability to understand and implement effective strategies is a critical factor in their success. This includes their ability to adapt their game plans to different opponents and circumstances.
Player development

A manager's ability to develop and improve players should also be considered. This includes their ability to identify talent, nurture young players, and improve the overall skill level of the team.
Leadership

Good communication and leadership skills are a must-have for any manager. The ability to effectively manage a team, build relationships, and motivate players is essential for any manager's success.
Resourcefulness

The ability to operate within budgetary constraints and effectively utilize limited resources is also essential. This includes the ability to identify and work with young players, make intelligent transfer decisions, and effectively manage the salary cap.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated manager. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or manager is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2548 views
142 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each manager once every 24 hours. The rank of each manager is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most underrated manager

When it comes to discussing the most successful managers in sports or business, there are a few names that always come to mind. But what about the underrated managers? The ones who fly under the radar but consistently produce impressive results? Underrated managers often have a different approach to leadership, focusing on building strong relationships with their team and prioritizing open communication. They may not have the same flashy tactics or high-profile signings as their counterparts, but they know how to get the best out of their players or employees. In sports, underrated managers can be found in any league or sport, from the Premier League to the NBA. In business, they may be leading smaller companies or teams within larger organizations. Regardless of the industry, these managers often have a loyal following of fans and employees who appreciate their unique leadership style. So, who is the most underrated manager? That's up for debate, but one thing is certain: these managers deserve more recognition for their hard work and success.