Premier League 2018-19: Top 3 managers so far 

Javi Gracia Wins the Barclays Manager of the Month Award - August 2018
Gracia poses with the Barclays Manager of the Month award for August 2018

Premier League football will make its return on September 15, after players return from fulfilling their international duties. Sometimes, people tend to forget that a tactically sound manager is as important as a superstar player for a club's success.

Sometimes, brilliantly-executed tactics can change the flow of the game and turn the momentum of the game to favour the side or a faulty tactic can have opposing effects on the game.

Today, we will talk about the top 3 managers in the league thus far - as three teams have won all four of their first games to start the campaign in impressive form.


#3 Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Klopp celebrates his side's narrow win over Brighton

Jurgen Klopp took the mantle of managing Liverpool back in late 2015 replacing Brendan Rodgers. Since then, the Reds have gradually been improving on a yearly basis. Having led them to two European finals (Europa League in 16/17, Champions League 17/18), the charismatic German has thus far failed to win any silverware on Merseyside.

Last season, he signed Mohamed Salah from Serie A side Roma for £36.9m - which turned out to be an amazing coup as the Egyptian international performed magnificently throughout the campaign.

He was key as they surprised many by making it to the Champions League final, to ultimately be defeated 3-1 by holders Real Madrid. Last season's fourth-placed league finish is one they'll be looking to improve upon this term.

With the addition of quality midfielders including Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri, the team seems suited to Klopp's style of play. It's too early to say though Liverpool are surely one of the sides who will give the defending champions Manchester City a run for their money.

#2 Maurizio Sarri (Chelsea)

Newcastle United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Sarri has begun life in England's top-flight well, despite his eagerness for Chelsea to improve

After the Blues' disappointing campaign last season under Antonio Conte, it was only a matter of time before he'd be replaced. Another Italian manager was recruited to succeed him, in the form of Napoli's highly-rated boss Maurizio Sarri.

His tactics resemble the famous tiki-taka playing style of Pep Guardiola during his Barcelona reign, which features short and quick passes aimed at moving play up the pitch with speed and purpose.

The club's board must have high expectations for him, as Conte was sacked despite winning the league in his first season and an FA Cup trophy to finish the second with more silverware.

Time will tell whether it was the right decision, though four successive wins to start the season is a welcome morale boost.

#1 Javier Gracia (Watford)

Watford FC v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Gracia applauds the home fans after Watford's hard-fought win over Palace

Javier Gracia was announced as Watford's new head coach midway through the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Before joining the Hornets, he was manager of Russian side Rubin Kazan - though his tactical setup is one totally different to former boss Marco Silva.

Silva usually prefers to set up his side with plenty of width down the flanks, encouraging his wingers to remain in wide areas and sit high up the pitch, which would help them build counter-attacking moves more effectively.

Gracia meanwhile, prefers his wingers to come inside and provide more defensive responsibility out of possession. It helps solidify the team without the ball and forces their opponents into wide areas regularly, rather than playing through the middle where it can be easier to create goalscoring opportunities.

Earlier this week, Gracia was rewarded for his efforts with the Premier League Manager of the Month accolade. It came as no surprise in truth, as he has led the Hornets to four impressive victories - most notably a comeback win at home against Tottenham last weekend.

It's far too early to speculate, though Watford supporters will be hoping their side can emulate the success of Claudio Ranieri's Leicester City side and push for the European places, in an unpredictable campaign.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi
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