As soccer matures and develops over time, some matches fail to cut the mustard and the game appears to outgrow them, while some younger, adaptive managers thrive. We have picked out 5 of the best young managers in soccer right now who could have strong futures in the game.
Julian Nagelsmann – Hoffenheim
Perhaps the most highly rated on the list is Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann, who has already been heavily linked with the Bayern Munich job. The then-29 year old took Hoffenheim from a dreadful 15th place to the dizzy heights of Champions League qualification in his first campaign as a head coach. Although they were ultimately eliminated by Liverpool, Nagelsmann is a remarkable motivator who has a prosperous future in management ahead.
Marco Silva – Watford
The hottest free agent on the block in the summer, Marco Silva rejected interest from FC Porto, Southampton and Crystal Palace to become the seventh Watford manager in three years. Many were unsure why, but Silva has settled into life at the Hornets magnificently and tipped to remain in the EPL this season with most betting offers sites. After his strong, ultimately unsuccessful bid to keep doomed Hull City in the Premier League last season, Silva has spent shrewdly and earned incredible early results at Watford. His future is undoubtedly higher.
Pal Dardai – Hertha Berlin
Hertha Berlin legend Pal Dardai is living the dream in management following a solid career as a player. After hanging up his boots in 2011, Dardai began coaching in Hertha’s youth set-up before the Hungary national team remarkably came calling with a managerial vacancy. Seven games saw just one loss and four wins before his spiritual home Hertha took a punt on him. After keeping the struggling German outfit in the Bundesliga, Dardai followed that up with 7th and 6th place finishes and two Europa League qualifications in a row.
Thomas Christiansen – Leeds United
Leeds fans were understandably miffed when Garry Monk abandoned them for Middlesbrough in the summer, but they will have likely forgotten all about him now. That’s all down to the terrific job Thomas Christiansen has done since taking over. The 44 year old Spaniard arrived with a solid reputation from Cypriot champions APOEL and he’s lived up to it so far. Shrewd in the transfer market, strong defensively and lethal in victory, Leeds could be on course to return to the Premier League – Christiansen will likely manage in the top tier regardless.
Lee Johnson – Bristol City
Our final pick is a little left-field. Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has very quietly done a fantastic job in his three managerial spells. Johnson turned Oldham from relegation certainties to promotion hopefuls, took Barnsley from their lowest ebb in League One back to the second tier and now he’s helping turn Bristol City into a possible Championship promotion contender too. Son of former Robins boss Gary Johnson, keep an eye out for the progress of this wise, advancing 36 year old.
