4 best performing managers in Europe's top five leagues this season so far (2023-24)
A top-level manager's job can be extremely risky at times, as they bear the pressure of setting up their team and ensuring they obtain maximum points in every game.
At the start of the season, the pressure is even greater on a manger because of the time afforded during pre-season to work on the team. In some cases, when a coach performs below the club's expectations during the first half of the season, they are given their marching orders before Christmas.
This article will scan through the tiers and rank the four best performing managers in Europe's top five leagues this season so far:
#4 Stefano Pioli (AC Milan)
Pioli might not be one of the most popular managers in Europe, but he is a tactically proficient leader with a crisp aptitude to revamp a squad.
From eight matches in the Serie A this season, Pioli's AC Milan have secured 21 points. Milan have been woefully unlucky in the UEFA Champions League. They have two points after two draws against Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, having been the better team in both contests.
#3 Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
Ancelotti is best described as a tactically astute manager, whose real strength lies in his man-management and ability to form a team rather than a squad. The most impressive thing about Ancelotti is his capability to regulate his players and bring the best out of them as well.
Ancelotti's Real Madrid are at the top of La Liga - with 24 points after nine games (8W, 1L). They have also won both of their opening games in the Champions League - against Napoli and Union Berlin - and are at the top of Group C.
His ability to properly handle the biggest players and the team's outstanding results earn him a spot on the list.
#2 Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Premier League, which has proven itself to be the toughest and most competitive league on the planet, does not allow new coaches to have a comfortable settling-in period.
Regardless, Ange Postecoglou has been able to shatter the jinx as he has gotten Tottenham Hotspur off to a fantastic start in the 2023-24 season.
Spurs have won six and drawn two out of the eight league games played so far. With 20 points after eight matches, the Lilywhites are at the top of the Premier League, ahead of north London-rivals Arsenal on goal difference.
#1 Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
At the age of just 41, former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is dominating one of the most tactically innovative leagues in the world. Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen are sitting at the top of the Bundesliga with 19 points from seven matches. Their only points dropped were against reigning champions Bayern Munich in a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena.
While some might argue that it's too early to praise Alonso, his Leverkusen side have showing promising signs that their early start is not a fluke. Along with Bayern, they have the joint-best goal difference in the league - 17.