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The UEFA Champions League will make its highly anticipated return this week. Fans can't wait to feel the drive, passion and excitement that comes with watching their favorite clubs battle one another in Europe's elite tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and a host of other top superstars will be looking to step up and steal the highlights. Of course, managers will also get a fair share of the attention when they take to the sidelines to inspire their teams to victories.
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32 managers will lock horns in an intense tactical battle in the Champions League this season. While some are relatively new to the business, others have established themselves among the finest in the game over the last few seasons.
This has inspired us to compare these tacticians against one another and come up with a list of five names that stand out from the rest. They are as follows:
#5 Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann has had an explosive rise in his managerial career. At just 34 years of age, the German is already managing one of the best teams in Europe - Bayern Munich.
Prior to his move to Allianz Stadium, the tactician had enjoyed spectacular spells with Bundesliga sides Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig. He helped Hoffenheim finish fourth in the league table in the 2016/2017 season before announcing himself in Europe by leading Leipzig to the 2019-20 Champions League semifinals.
Julian Nagelsmann was appointed Bayern Munich manager this summer and he's already led the Bavarians to claim the German Super Cup. With his tactical intelligence and ability to bring the best out of his team, it is only a matter of time before delivers a trophy fest at Allianz Stadium. Europe surely has to watch out for this man.
#4 Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel needs no introduction. The Chelsea manager made history in the Champions League last season, leading the Blues to an odd-defying triumph in Europe's elite tournament. He has converted The Blues into one of the best defensive units across Europe.
With the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niguez this summer, Tuchel now has an even stronger team to compete across all fronts. The Blues will be looking to become the second side after Real Madrid to defend the Champions League under the new format.
If domestic form is anything to go by, the Londoners appear ready for the challenges that lie ahead. They've won three and drawn one of their four Premier League games so far this season. The Blues will be hoping to maintain that form when they kickstart their european campaign against Zenit on Tuesday.
#3 Diego Simeone
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is no stranger to making appearances on lists such as this one. The Argentine has been one of the top tacticians in Europe over the last few years. His team has been capable of delivering nightmares even to the best attacking clubs on the continent.
Simeone stands out for having a unique style which involves strict defensive discipline, aggressive pressing and counter attacks. He was appointed Atletico's manager in 2011 and has since led the Rojiblancos to claim eight trophies, leading them to the Champions League final twice.
The tactician did a great job last season by leading his team to claim the La Liga title. They've started the new season on the front foot, having recorded three victories and one draw from four La Liga games so far. Their Champions League campaign kicks off on Wednesday with a clash with FC Porto.
#2 Jurgen Klopp
The German definitely deserves his spot on the list given the amazing job he's done at Liverpool within the last few seasons. Jurgen Klopp woke Liverpool up from their sleep and returned them to where they belong, among the big dogs in European football.
The manager inspired the Reds to claim the Champions League title in 2019, defeating Tottenham 1-0 in the final. This was followed by the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Premier League title in the subsequent season.
Klopp's gegenpressing style has proved to be a thorn in the side of many elite clubs in Europe over the last few years. The likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will surely be hoping to avoid facing Liverpool in the Champions League this season.
#1 Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola finally reappeared in the Champions League final last season. His team narrowly lost to Chelsea but that takes nothing away from the incredible arsenal the Spaniard has built at the Etihad Stadium.
The tactician has delivered a whopping 10 trophies since taking over from Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City ahead of the 2016-17 campaign. After falling short last term, he will surely be keen to triumph in Europe once again this season.
Pep appears to have found his mojo in the Champions League. His team has experienced what it is like to like to play in a UCL final. They'll surely be better prepared if they find themselves at the same stage come May 2022.
