Being a top-level manager can be a thankless job. Every single match is scrutinized, and top names can be sacked pretty quickly and brutally. In the last few weeks, top European clubs have parted ways with some pretty high-profile managers.
In the Premier League, Chelsea and Manchester United have released Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim, respectively. At the same time, Real Madrid pulled the trigger on Xabi Alonso after a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. With so many changes happening, the 5 managers named on this list will undoubtedly be in high demand in the coming months.
5. Enzo Maresca
The former Chelsea manager had a successful spell at the London club, guiding them to the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League titles last season. Having been given the responsibility of a talented but young squad, Maresca put his own stamp on the team and had Chelsea playing some beautiful football on certain occasions.
However, differences with the club hierarchy on recruitment, along with several other issues, led to him parting ways with Chelsea on January 1, 2026. The Italian has worked closely with Pep Guardiola during his time at Manchester City and performed admirably at Leicester City in the 2023-24 season, leading them to the EFL Championship title.
Maresca could be set for a quick return to managerial duties as he is being linked with the vacant Real Madrid job, according to FootMercato’s Santi Aouna.
4. Xavi
One of the greatest midfielders to have ever played the game, Xavi has had two stints in his managerial career so far, having coached Qatari club Al Sadd and, more famously, his boyhood club, Barcelona.
The Spaniard managed to win league titles at both clubs while playing an attractive brand of football. Speaking about who has influenced his coaching style the most, Xavi said in an interview:
“Having a lot of coaches in my career made me take a little bit from all of them: from Van Gaal, from Rijkaard, from Guardiola, from Luis Enrique, from Iñaki Sáez, from Luis Aragonés. I got my master’s in man-management from Aragonés and my master’s in tactics from Guardiola.”
The legendary midfielder has been linked with the top spot at Manchester United, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the next few weeks.
3. Xabi Alonso
Xavi’s longtime Spanish teammate, Xabi Alonso, is another top name who is suddenly without a job after joining Real Madrid at the beginning of this season. The Spaniard had a hugely successful stint at Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided them to an elusive League title.
Known for usually playing with attacking wing-backs and getting the best out of his forward players, Alonso struggled a bit in integrating all of Real Madrid’s attacking superstars in the starting line-up.
However, there is no denying Alonso’s class and management skills, and a stint in the Premier League could be available sooner rather than later for the legendary Spanish midfielder.
2. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has won almost every trophy possible as both a player and a manager. One of the greatest players to ever play the game, Zidane had a hugely successful stint as Real Madrid manager, where he guided Los Blancos to three UEFA Champions League titles in a row.
Having quit Real Madrid in 2018 after winning his third UEFA Champions League title as a manager, the Frenchman came back for a second stint in 2019, winning La Liga ahead of rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and cementing his legacy as one of the best modern-day managers in soccer.
Having left the Real Madrid job for a second time in 2021, Zidane’s name remains linked to the top positions at both club and international levels.
1. Jurgen Klopp
Currently, Jurgen Klopp, the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH since January 2025, is widely considered to be one of the most excellent managers of this generation.
The German tactician has been immensely successful in all his managerial stints at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool, with his stints at the latter two clubs particularly cementing his legacy as one of the most brilliant tacticians and man-managers of the 21st century.
Not only has Klopp won major trophies at both Dortmund and Liverpool, but he also has an excellent track record of improving players and getting everyone to work toward a common goal.
The 58-year-old German has been linked to the Real Madrid manager post for some time now, and we could well end up seeing Klopp make a return to the dugout this season.
