One formation graphic won't tell you much — the patterns that repeat across several matches show where a new manager is actually headed.
When a new manager arrives, fans reach for the scoreline and formation graphic first, but neither shows what he actually wants his team to look like. Preseason is short, the transfer window isn't closed, and early results often reflect a temporary fix built around whatever players are available, not a finished philosophy. We picked 11 managers who took over this season and framed each around tactical moments that repeat across matches, not the opening result.
How we picked them
- Where build-up starts — how deep full-backs drop, whether center-backs split wide
- When the press triggers — from the front line or after dropping into midfield
- How wide and high wingers and full-backs position themselves
- How consistent those choices stay vs. strong and weak opponents, home and away
The ranking follows attention this season, not tactical quality. Short on time? Compare #1 Mourinho, #2 Rose, and #3 Alonso — the contrast is obvious.
Real Madrid · José Mourinho
Bournemouth · Marco Rose
Chelsea · Xabi Alonso
Crystal Palace · Pierre Sage
Fulham · Álvaro Arbeloa
Ipswich Town · Gary O'Neil
Liverpool · Andoni Iraola
Manchester City · Enzo Maresca
Nottingham Forest · Oliver Glasner
Tottenham · Roberto De Zerbi
Manchester United · Michael Carrick
Here's how to use this list
To see how big clubs are changing style, compare #1 Mourinho and #3 Alonso — both lean on possession but protect defensive density differently. For rebuilding clubs, look at #5 Arbeloa and #6 O'Neil, both starting cautiously to match their current squads.
Hold three things constant when comparing managers: where build-up starts, when the press triggers, and how wide the wingers play. Tactics can change during the season, so treat this as accurate as of when it was researched and check each club's official channels.
Frequently asked questions
Can you read a new manager's tactics from the first match alone?
Not really. A new manager plays that first match under a short preseason and a transfer window that isn't even closed yet. The formation or starting lineup on the day is likely a temporary choice built around whatever squad is available, not a finished philosophy. It usually takes at least 5 to 10 matches before the recurring pattern shows itself.
Which moments in a match are worth focusing on?
Watch three things: where build-up play starts (do full-backs drop deep, do center-backs split wide), when the press is triggered (from midfield or from the front), and how wide the wingers position themselves (hugging the touchline or tucking narrow). If that pattern holds across multiple matches, it reveals the manager's core plan.
Why do teams play differently against strong versus weak opponents?
As a basic tactical principle, teams tend to tighten their defensive structure against stronger opponents and push more aggressively against weaker ones. Some managers, though, stick to the same principles regardless of the opponent. Comparing that difference is one of the clearest ways to read a manager's tendencies and a team's identity.
Which leagues does this list cover?
Most of the clubs here play in the Premier League, with Real Madrid representing La Liga. We grouped 11 managers who took charge this season so their approaches can be compared side by side. The three viewing criteria above apply the same way regardless of league.
Does the ranking reflect tactical quality?
No. The order reflects how much attention and discussion each manager is drawing this season, not a judgment on tactical skill or expected results. Use it as a guide for which manager to look into first, not a quality ranking.
Why watch recurring moments instead of just the formation graphic?
A formation graphic only shows how players line up at kickoff — it says nothing about how they actually move once the match starts. Recurring patterns like where build-up starts or when the press triggers are what actually reveal the football a manager wants to play.
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