As some of Europe’s iconic football managers approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, attention is shifting to the next generation of tacticians poised to lead the continent’s biggest clubs.

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town in their Premier League opener marked the first time in 3,236 days that Jürgen Klopp was absent from the touchline. With marquee names like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Carlo Ancelotti also nearing the end of their managerial reigns, the question arises: who will step up to follow in their footsteps?

In Spain, Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso are emerging as top contenders. Both are showing flashes of brilliance, with their tactical approaches drawing comparisons to fellow Spaniard Pep Guardiola. Arteta’s impressive work at Arsenal and Alonso’s early success at Bayer Leverkusen suggest that they are ready to take their place among Europe’s elite coaches.

Xabi Alonso, in particular, had a stellar first full season in charge of Bayer Leverkusen. His team finished the Bundesliga season undefeated and reached the Europa League final, marking one of the most impressive coaching debuts in recent history.

Another rising star is Brighton’s new head coach, Fabian Hürzeler. At just 31, he guided St. Pauli to promotion from Germany’s second division last season, quickly making a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in the game.

Elsewhere, promising young managers are also making waves in the Italian and Portuguese leagues, further solidifying the belief that European football is in good hands. As legendary figures like Guardiola, Mourinho, and Ancelotti wind down, a new era of coaching brilliance is on the horizon, ensuring the continued evolution of the game at the highest level.