With Real Madrid clinching the Spanish league on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti became the first coach to lift trophies in the top five European leagues.
Image- Sportz Point
Not long after being thrown into the air by his Real Madrid players, Carlo Ancelotti shed tears while speaking about his latest league triumph.
"I'm very proud of this," he said. "I've had a very long season, but I'm still enjoying it."
Ancelotti won with AC Milan in Italy, Chelsea in England, Paris Saint-Germain in France, and Bayern Munich in Germany.
"Now I'm with Real Madrid, and to win with Real Madrid is very special," he said. "This is the first time for me to win a title at the (Santiago) Bernabéu, and the atmosphere here is special."
The 62-year-old Ancelotti first coached Madrid from 2013-15 but didn't win La Liga. But in that first tenure, Madrid won the Champions League, the Club World Cup, UEFA's Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.
Ancelotti won the Serie A in 2004, the English Premier League in 2010, the French league in 2013 and the Bundesliga in 2017.
He coached Napoli and Everton after Bayern, without reaching any significant success. He returned to Madrid in the beginning of last season.
"I have to thank Real Madrid's president (Florentino Perez) to give me this opportunity to return," Ancelotti said.
"I wasn't expecting it at the time." Madrid won its record-extending 35th Liga title with a 4-0 win over Espanyol, gaining an insurmountable lead with four rounds to go.
Ancelotti's only reason to complain on Saturday was Madrid's players stopped throwing him up in celebration too soon.
"I told Marcelo that I wanted to keep going," he said. "I was enjoying being up there in the air."
Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights: Declan Rice's stunning brace and Merino's goal hand Arsenal a 3-0 lead in the first-leg
Get the highlights of the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final 1st leg match at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal managed a 3-0 lead over the 15-time Champions.
Welcome to our live coverage of the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final 1st leg match at Emirates Stadium.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you the buildup, head-to-head stats, team news and real-time updates of the all-important match from our web desk.
21 - Thibaut Courtois has saved 21 of the last 26 shots on target he has faced in the Champions League, including the last 10 (7 vs Atlético de Madrid and 3 vs Arsenal). Giant. pic.twitter.com/1SzTFnRuIg
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) April 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025, 7:38 PM
That was the chance Mbappe missed earlier!
Apr 8, 2025, 7:36 PM
Once a Real Madrid wonderkid, now a Gunner
Martin Odegard, who burst onto the scene as a Real Madrid wonderkid, is now leading Arsenal against Real Madrid.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:32 PM
31' | Raya makes a save
That was a fabulous ball from Jude Bellingham. He found Kylian Mbappe making a quick run, alone, inside the box.
However, Mbappe was not threatening enough to beat Raya.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:27 PM
Timber has already won five duels
Apr 8, 2025, 7:26 PM
24' | Mbappe is offside
Nearly for Kylian Mbappe. A dangerous ball from Vini, found Mbappe making a run inside the box.
Countered by Timber and Partey, Mbappe went for a shot.
The shot went over the goal. However, Mbappe was already offside leading to the play.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:23 PM
21' | Vini goes wide
Vinicius Jr, again from the left, went for a right-footed shot.
The curling shot did not curl enough to be on target.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:22 PM
Was that a handball?
During the earlier play, Rice's shot was blocked by Asencio. The block did hit the hand. A VAR check was done. But, no penalty was given.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:19 PM
The defending champions!
Apr 8, 2025, 7:16 PM
13' | Save from Courtois
Martenelli made a good run on the left and his cross found Rice making an effort with a side volley.
Ascencio blocked Rice's shot.
Partey tried his luck in the rebound, but Courtois saved his shot.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:13 PM
Emirates is buzzing!
The atmosphere is just electric.
Arsenal are having the upper hand with nearly five attacks already. In the meantime, Real Madrid looked threatening with counterattacks.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:12 PM
Youth!
Myles Lewis-Skelly (18Y 194D) is the second youngest Englishman to start a Champions League quarter-final after Jude Bellingham vs. Man City in 2021 (17Y 281D).
Vinicius Jr., from the left tries an ambitious shot. However, his shot went over the goal.
Apr 8, 2025, 7:09 PM
Old and Gold - Modric
3 - Luka Modrić 🇭🇷 is the third-oldest outfield player to start in a UCL quarter-final (39y 211d), after Ryan Giggs 🏴 in 2014 v Bayern Munich (40y 123d) and Alessandro Costacurta 🇮🇹 in 2006 v Lyon (39y 339d). Eternal. pic.twitter.com/L7RwU8G8mA
Vinicius Jr. will miss the second leg of the fixture, if he gets a yellow card tonight vs Arsenal.
Apr 8, 2025, 5:01 PM
Early team news: Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois will be back after missing the last three games due to a knee injury. Lunin is injured, by the way.
Apr 8, 2025, 4:58 PM
Early team news: Arsenal
Raheem Sterling is suspended for this match after picking up three yellow cards.
Apr 8, 2025, 4:55 PM
Previous meetings: Arsenal vs Real Madrid in Champions League
Theirry Henry scored the only goal in meetings between these two clubs in UEFA Champions League. Henry scored in the first leg of round of 16 meet in 2005/06 Champions League, while the second leg was a goalless draw.
Apr 8, 2025, 4:52 PM
Head-to-head stats: Arsenal vs Real Madrid
Arsenal won: 1
Real Madrid won: 0
Draws: 1
Apr 8, 2025, 3:11 PM
Tonight's Venue | Emirates Stadium
Apr 8, 2025, 2:59 PM
How to watch the match?
Football fans from India can watch the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25 Quarter-final first-leg match on Sony Sports Network Channel.
Moreover, they can watch the match LIVE on Sony LIV app and website as well.
Apr 8, 2025, 2:58 PM
Match Details
Match:Arsenal vs Real Madrid- UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-Final First Leg
Real Madrid is considering Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Jurgen Klopp as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, sparking gambling about a managerial shake-up at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Jurgen Klopp is currently working as a leader of global soccer for the Red Bull group, Klopp stated that he would not manage another English club and might be he will not be interested with management forever. However, he could choose to coach a national team or take a job.
Image Credit: Liverpool Echo
Either of those options might be presented soon to him. According to TRBFootball, Klopp is reportedly one of the options for Brazil's national team head coach after Dorival Junior's dismissal. However, Carlo Ancelotti is also Brazil's top pick, according to different reports, Brazil's national football management has even begun negotiations with him.
According to the reports, Klopp is one of the candidates Real Madrid is working on to replace their manager if Carlo Ancelotti departs. Los Blancos are looking for a manager who has worked with a mix of young players and superstars and the former Liverpool manager most definitely possesses that.
As Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world, there would undoubtedly be some appeal if Klopp were to return to club management. Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid and Liverpool player is reportedly Los Blancos' preferred candidate.
Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina
Brazil targets Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, as their head coach after the recent humiliation against Argentina. Read the full details in this article from Sportz Point.
Brazil's disappointing 4-1 defeat against Argentinaat Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires has insecure the head coach's place of Dorival Junior, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico just over a year away.
Following Tite's departure after Brazil's quarterfinal exit against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, he has been the third coach to lead the team, and the Brazilian is now being tipped to depart as well if he fails to turn around Brazil's national football team's fortune.
🚨🇧🇷 Brazilian Federation are seriously considering a managerial change as now Dorival Junior position is under review.
The dream target for July would be Carlo Ancelotti again, as @geglobo reported — but no negotiations are taking place now as it also depends on Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/RFzPJaDgRR
CBF president Ednaldo Rodriguez, recently re-elected, had previously identified Carlo Ancelotti as his managerial target in 2023, with Pep Guardiola also considered before the contract extension with Manchester City. However, the Italian has indicated that any discussions would only advance after the FIFA Club World Cup, which Real Madrid will participate in between June and July in the United States of America.
The Italian has previously stated that he would never willingly leave Real Madrid, but should the club end the season trophyless. Brazil may see an opportunity to attract him away. With Carlo Ancelotti's availability uncertain, the CBF is also considering other potential options.
Among the names being considered is Filipe Luiz, the former Atletico Madrid defender and current Flamengo coach.
Next for Brazil:
Image Credit: X
Brazil has its next set of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in early June, playing Ecuador away and Paraguay at home. The CBF must now determine whether to keep Dorival Junior until then or appoint an interim manager while negotiations with current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti continue behind the scenes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be set to join Real Madrid with reports suggesting that the Liverpool defender has finally agreed to move. Alexander-Arnold has been Real Madrid's biggest transfer target over the past few years. After Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid, Los Blancos boss Florentino Perez's main target was Trent. However, over the past few years, Trent declined all the Los Blancos offers.
According to @marca, Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid is 99% complete 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 21, 2025
According to reports from Caught Offside, Los Blancos has finally secured the signing of the English Full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. According to the reports, Trent will join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer transfer window. Real Madrid has been working on this scene for over two years, and finally, Trent declined Liverpool's every offer and wants to join Real Madrid.
🚨 BREAKING: Alexander Arnold’s signing is at 90%, practically DONE. He has a foot and a half in Real Madrid. @diarioaspic.twitter.com/8qDKDms2UY
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this January with Los Blancos keen on restricting a deal despite being able to join as a free agent in the summer. Moreover, Trent wants to stay at Liverpool this season and now he has struck a verbal agreement with Los Blancos' boss Carlo Ancelotti (according to Marca). But it remains unclear whether the agreement means the deal will go through this month.
Liverpool already rejected a bid from Real Madrid in this winter transfer window. Although Liverpool and Real Madrid's management have remained quiet about this deal, it is looking like Trent wants to finish this season as a Liverpool player before waving goodbye to the Reds.
Image Credit: Liverpool FC
Trent is a talented right-back and has been a key player for Liverpool in recent years his quality has caught the eyes of Real Madrid's management. European giants like Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona were also in this transfer saga competing with Real Madrid, but Trent himself chose the Los Blancos. Liverpool's manager Arne Slot tried everything to convince the player to stay, but it seems that the English full-back already made his decision to move to the Spanish capital, where he will join Carlo Ancelotti's managed side.
Explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.
There are many top football managers right now in the world of football, with some experienced veterans in the game continuing a wonderful 2024 season, while some young football managers are trying to crave their name among the world's best. With the 2024-25 season at the midway, there is plenty of time for the managers to stake a claim that they are deserving of a higher spot among the top football mangers right now.
In this article from Sportz Point, explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.
What will be the ranking factors?
Trophies they conquered
Recent success
Longevity in this sport
Performance compared to expectations
10 best Football Managers Worldwide right now:
RANK
MANAGERS
NATIONALITY
CURRENT CLUB
1.
Pep Guardiola
Spanish
Manchester City
2.
Carlo Ancelotti
Italian
Real Madrid
3.
Arne Slot
Dutch
Liverpool FC
4.
Simone Inzaghi
Italian
Inter Milan
5.
Xabi Alonso
Spanish
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
6.
Mikel Arteta
Spanish
Arsenal FC
7.
Diego Simeone
Argentine
Atletico Madrid
8.
Jurgen Klopp
German
Currently unattached with any clubs
9.
Hansi Flick
German
FC Barcelona
10.
Unai Emery
Spanish
Aston Villa
10. Unai Emery | Aston Villa:
Image Credit: The Times
Before the 2023-24 season kicked off very few would have given Aston Villa a chance to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, but Unai Emery ensured that the Villains finished in the top four. The Spanish tactician has been highly regarded and among the top football managers right now. He won multiple UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Nevertheless, Unai Emery has developed multiple players like John McGinn, Olie Watkins, and Enzi Konsas.
Unai Emery's trophy cabinet:
4x Europa League winner (1x with Villarreal CF in 2020-21, and 3x with Sevilla FC in 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16)
1x French Champion with Paris Saint Germain (2017-18)
2x French Cup Winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
2x French League Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
2x French Super Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
9. Hansi Flick | FC Barcelona:
Image Credit: Barca Universal
While his reputation was in the mud after a poor managerial spell in charge of the German national football team, Hansi Flick has reminded the world why he is among the top football managers right now. The former Bayern Munich settled in nicely at Camp Nou and had the Catalan giants flying at the top. Hansi Flick has proved himself to be an intelligent and tactically brilliant manager.
Hansi Flick's trophy cabinet:
1x FIFA World Cup with Germany (2014)
1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
1x UEFA Champions League winner (2019-20)
2x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich (2019-20 and 2020-21)
1x German Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
1x German Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2019-20)
1x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2024-25)
4x Baden Cup winner with Hoffenheim (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05)
8. Jurgen Klopp | Currently unattached with any clubs:
Image Credit: BBC
Jurgen Klopp is currently not a manager, having left Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, he will be honorably remembered as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League and also one of the top football managers right now.
The German tactician made Liverpool from a mid-table team to one of the title contenders in the Premier League title race. He now works in a non-coaching role for the Red Bull football group.
Jurgen Klopp's trophy Cabinet:
1x UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC (2018-19)
1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
1x Premier League winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
1x English FA Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22)
1x EFL Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22 and 2023-24)
1x English Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2022-23)
1x UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
2x Bundesliga Champions with Borussia Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12)
1x German Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2011-12)
2x German Super Cup winner (2013-14 and 2014-15)
7. Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid:
Image Credit: Atletico Madrid
One of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues, Diego Simeone is floating among the top football managers right now. In the 2023-24 campaign, Atletico Madrid enjoyed another successful team as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League yet again.
The disappointment will come with the lack of silverware collected as Atletico Madrid was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season in the quarterfinals despite being one of the favorites to win the title.
Diego Simeone's trophy cabinet:
2x Spanish Champion with Atletico Madrid (2020-21 and 2013-14)
2x UEFA Super Cup Champions with Atletico Madrid (2012-13 and 2018-19)
2x UEFA Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid (2011-12 and 2017-18)
1x Spanish Super Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2013-14)
1x Spanish Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2012-13)
2x Argentine Champions 1x with Club Estudiantes de La Plata (2005-06) and 1x with River Plate (2007-08)
6. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal:
Image Credit: CNN
Arsenal fans would back their boss as the best on the planet as Mikel Arteta has transformed the club's fortunes in recent years and had them in contention to win the Premier League title for a second successive season.
If the Gunners had become champions of England for the first time in 20 years, the Spanish tactician would have been praised as a hero. Despite, his failure to conquer silverware, he is one of the top football managers right now.
Mikel Arteta's trophy Cabinet:
2x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18 and 2018-19)
2x English FA Cup winner 1x with Arsenal (2019-20) and 1x with Manchester City (2018-19)
3x English Super Cup Winner 1x with Manchester City (2018-19) and 2x with Arsenal (2020-21 and 2023-24)
Note: Mikel Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.
5. Xabi Alonso | Bayer 04 Leverkusen:
Image Credit: GOAL
The work Xabi Alonso has done during his two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen is incredible. His team went on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top 10 leagues and knocked Bayern Munich off their Bundesliga rest for the first time in over a decade, because of his tactical masterclass he is among the top football managers right now.
Alonso lifted the German league title and added the 2024 DFB Pokal to Leverkusen's trophy cabinet, but he ultimately fell short in the Europa League, overall, it was a tremendous season.
Xabi Alonso's trophy cabinet:
1x Bundesliga Champion with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
1x German Super Cup winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
1x DFB Pokal winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
4. Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan:
Image Credit: BBC
To be ranked above the likes of Klopp, Alonso, and Arteta in 2024 is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work Simone Inzaghi has done at Inter Milan. The Serie A title returned to the Italian giants after they secured the trophy in the best way possible, against fierce rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.
He also came so close to being the first Inter boss to bring the Champions League back to Italy in the 2022/23 season, narrowly losing in the final against Manchester City. Surely, he is among the top football managers right now.
Simone Inzaghi's trophy cabinet:
1x Italian Champion with Inter Milan (2023-24)
3x Italian Cup winner 1x with Lazio (2018-19) and 2x with Inter Milan (2021-22 and 2022-23)
2x Coppa Italia winner with Lazio (2013-14 and 2014-15)
1x Italian Supercoppa winner with Lazio (2014-15)
-5x Italian Super Cup winner 2x with Lazio (2017-18 and 2019-20) and 3x with Inter Milan (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
Note: He was Lazio's under-19 team coach
3. Arne Slot | Liverpool FC:
Image Credit: The NY Times
After a solid run with Feyenoord, Arne Slot was chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer. Considering the legacy that the former coach left behind at Anfield, Slot had a lot to live up to, and it would have been easy for the pressure to get to him quickly.
Instead, he's taken the Reds and shot them straight to the top of the Premier League. He enjoyed the best start of any manager in Liverpool's history and is showing no signs of slowing down right now. His managerial spell with Feyenoord was enough to make his name among the top football managers right now.
Arne Slot's trophy Cabinet:
1x Dutch Champion with Feyenoord (2022-23)
1x Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord (2022-23)
2. Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid CF:
Image Credit: The Guardian
As one of the few people to have won the European Cup as both a player and manager, Carlo Ancelottiwill leave an ever-lasting legacy. The Italian first dipped his toe in the world of management in 1995 and, almost three decades later, he is still among the top football managers right now.
The 65-year-old has won league titles in four of the top five European leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and most recently secured a Spanish league and Champions League double.
Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet:
5x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and 3x with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2022-23)
2x Spanish Champion with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
1x Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2009-10)
1x Italian Champion with AC Milan (2003-04)
1x French Champion with Paris Saint-German (2012-13)
1x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2016-17)
3x FIFA Club World Cup Champion 1x with AC Milan (2007-08), 2x with Real Madrid (2014-15 & 2022-23)
1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup winner with Real Madrid (2023-24)
5x UEFA Super Cup winner 2x with AC Milan (2003-04, 2007-08) and 3x with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2022-23, 2024-25)
2x Spanish Cup winner (2013-14 and 2022-23)
1x Italian Cup winner (2002-03)
2x German Super Cup winner (2016-17 & 2017-18)
2x Spanish Super Cup winner with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
1x English Super Cup winner with Chelsea (2009-10)
1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City:
Image Credit: Manchester City FC
Pep Guardiola ranks first among the top football managers right now. Pep Guardiola still has enough credit in the bank to be regarded as the best manager in world football. Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title under the former Barcelona man, and yet 2023/24 still felt like a slightly underwhelming campaign. Those are the high standards set by the Catalan genius.
Guardiola has cemented himself as one of the greatest managers of all time. While his side has struggled as of late, there is no doubt that the former Barcelona man is still the best manager in the world.
Pep Guardiola's trophy cabinet:
3x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) and 1x with Manchester City (2022-23)
4x FIFA Club World Cup winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14) and 1x with Manchester City (2023-24)
3x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2013-14, 2015-16, and 2014-15)
3x Spanish Champion with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
6x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
4x UEFA Super Cup winner: 1x with Manchester City (2023-24), 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14), 2x with FC Barcelona (2009-10 and 2011-12)
2x DFB Pokal winner with Bayern Munich (2013-14 and 2015-16)
2x English FA Cupo winner with Manchester City (2018-19 and 2022-23)
2x Spanish Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09 and 2011-12)
3x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12)
4x EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
3x English Super Cup winner with Manchester City (2018-19, 2019-20, 2024-25)