Who are the best managers in Ligue 1 today — the tacticians who combine vision, results, and character to stand out in France’s top flight? In a league where clubs demand instant success and the pressure cooker of European competition looms, only a few coaches have proven capable of pulling miracles. In this article, DaoKick will walk you through who is dominating French football from the dugout — and why they earn that status in 2025–26.
What Makes a Top Manager in Ligue 1
To be considered one of the best, a manager in Ligue 1 must do more than simply avoid relegation. Here are key criteria we use (and that fans and pundits use) to judge:
- Consistency and points per match — keeping a high average even through tough patches.
- Trophies and honors — winning Ligue 1, domestic cups, or making deep European runs.
- Tactical adaptability — shifting formation, style, and approach depending on opponent or injury.
- Player development and impact — improving young talents, managing big egos, rotating squads.
- Influence and legacy — leaving a mark on club identity, elevating expectations, and sustaining success.
With those in mind, here are the coaches currently making noise — and leading by example — in French football.
Top Manager Spotlight: The Elite Tier
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
If there’s a benchmark for excellence in Ligue 1 today, Luis Enrique is it. Since he took the PSG job in 2023, he’s delivered ruthless dominance. He led PSG to a domestic treble in his first season — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the Coupe de la Ligue — and in 2025 he guided them to the Champions League crown, achieving a continental treble. This made PSG the first French club to do so.
His club’s performance in 2025–26 shows him consistently near the top in points.
Paulo Fonseca (Olympique Lyon)
Lyon made a bold midseason switch in early 2025, bringing in Paulo Fonseca to replace Pierre Sage. His resume includes managing in Serie A, Portugal, and stints in continental competitions — and he has brought energy and tactical intelligence to Lyon’s project.
His early matches earned praise, though his strong personality also led to a disciplinary setback: he was handed a nine-month ban by the LFP after a heated confrontation with a referee, a controversial moment that highlights the intensity he brings. Despite that, his long-term vision and ability to command players give him a place among today’s best.
Solid Performers Who Deserve Mention
These managers may not yet be at the level of PSG’s benchmark, but they offer compelling results and pose serious threats to powerhouses.
Roberto De Zerbi (Olympique de Marseille)
Since joining Marseille, De Zerbi has injected a modern, possession-oriented style. He’s earned praise for balancing youthful energy and experienced core players. While Marseille still chase consistency against PSG’s financial might, De Zerbi’s methods are well respected.
Adi Hütter
Monaco rely on shrewd transfers and youth integration — and Hütter has guided them with relative consistency. Though his points, his work in structuring Monaco’s playing style and achieving European qualification rounds him as one of the better managers in the league.
Liam Rosenior
A surprise contender: Liam Rosenior, a young English coach, has impressed by stepping into Ligue 1 and pushing Strasbourg to punch above their weight. His team shows defensive solidity, organized pressing, and intelligent transitions. For a coach in just his early tenure in France, Rosenior’s trajectory is worth tracking.
Statistical Ranking: Where They Stand Now
Here’s how some of the top Ligue 1 managers compare in current metrics:
| Manager | Club | Approx PPM / Record Indicators* |
| Luis Enrique | PSG | ~2.50 points per match among highest in league |
| Paulo Fonseca | Lyon | Strong early showing, though impacted by suspension |
| Roberto De Zerbi | Marseille | Solid, though some inconsistency |
| Adi Hütter | Monaco | Reliable, capable of high-level finishes |
| Liam Rosenior | Strasbourg | Impressive trajectory, still building |
*Based on coach comparison tables for current Ligue 1 season and recent performance metrics.
Challenges & Pressure Cookers in Ligue 1
Even top coaches must navigate obstacles:
- Fan expectations in France are unforgiving. A couple of bad results and the rumor mill starts.
- Balancing European and domestic campaigns — squads can’t always sustain intensity on multiple fronts.
- Squad turnover and big personalities — PSG, for instance, require managing superstars daily.
- Refereeing, politics, and officiating controversies — as shown by Fonseca’s suspension.
Thus, adaptability and mental toughness are as vital as tactical brilliance.
Honorable Mentions & Dark Horses
- Bruno Génésio (Lille) — experienced, steady hands that sometimes don’t grab headlines but stabilize squads.
- Habib Beye (Stade Rennais) — recent appointment replacing Sampaoli; a chance to grow in the league.
- Pierre Sage (RC Lens) — previous coach making way for larger ambitions, but left with solid foundations.
These coaches may not dominate today, but in a volatile league, fortunes shift fast.
Conclusion
Best managers in Ligue 1 today are the ones who combine results, vision, and character — and in 2025–26, Luis Enrique stands at the summit, backed by coaches like Fonseca, De Zerbi, Hütter, and Rosenior offering fierce competition. DaoKick hopes this breakdown gives you clarity on who’s shaping French football this season. What’s your pick for manager of the year — and who else deserves praise? Leave a comment, follow DaoKick, and stay tuned for match reviews, transfer angles, and deep dives into Ligue 1’s evolving drama.
