Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad finished in the Top 4 in La Liga for good reason. Even though their players, who compete in every game, receive the most praise, the men on the sidelines deserve our respect as well.
The Blaugrana did the right thing by trusting Xavi with the process, as he has guided them to winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup this season. Los Blancos, meanwhile, won three trophies with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.
And then there’s Imanol Alguacil, who has done a masterful job of bringing Real Sociedad back to the Champions League next season, which is quite impressive.
Without further ado, join the SBOTOP team as we give these top managers credit where it’s due.
Xavi, Barcelona
When Xavi came back to Camp Nou two years ago, he inherited a squad that was broken inside and out, from their financial problems to the holes in their roster.
And while he has yet to turn his team into the juggernauts that they were in the past when he was still playing for them, winning the top prize in Spain is a huge step in the right direction.
The addition of Robert Lewandowski proved to be a masterstroke for Xavi, as he won the Golden Boot award in his debut season. The €50 million transfer fee that they paid to get Lewy was worth every penny, as the Pole recorded 22 goals and six assists in the league.
Keeping Frenkie de Jong also proved to be the right move for Xavi, as the Dutchman had a superb campaign. Despite the departure of Sergio Busquets, Barcelona fans can sleep well at night knowing that Frenkie de Jong is going to take over in midfield.
Besides Lewy and de Jong, Xavi has done a great job of incorporating their youngsters into the fold this season, namely Ferran Torres, Pedri, Gavi, Ousmane Dembele, Jules Kounde, and Ronald Araujo.
These youngsters should only continue to get better under Xavi, making them the favourites to win it all again next season, according to the La Liga 2023 odds.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will stay at the Bernabeu next season after being repeatedly linked to the Brazilian national team head coaching job for most of the year.
His first season back at Real Madrid in 2021-22 ended with La Liga and Champions League trophies, but this season was more difficult, as they couldn’t challenge Barcelona for the La Liga title and they were unceremoniously dumped out by Manchester City in the Champions League.
But even without those trophies, the 2022-23 campaign is still considered a success for Ancelotti, as they managed to win the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Ancelotti is facing a huge challenge in trying to refresh his squad with younger legs, especially with the likes of Luka Modric (37), Toni Kroos (33), Eden Hazard (32), and Karim Benzema (35) all approaching the twilight of their football careers.
Benzema, their top scorer this season, shocked everyone when he recently confirmed the La Liga 2023 news of his big-money move to Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Ittihad. Eden Hazard, who didn’t get to play much under Ancelotti, is also set to leave the Bernabeu after terminating his contract.
Modric and Kroos, meanwhile, are expected to stay. The good news for Real Madrid is that they have the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to turn to, and help is on the way as they’re already negotiating terms with Jude Bellingham.
Imanol Alguacil, Real Sociedad
Despite losing star striker Alexander Isak to Newcastle United and being without captain Mikel Oyarzabal through injury, La Real have been one of the most consistent La Liga sides all season because many players have stepped up.
Alexander Sorloth became their top scorer with 14 goals, while Brais Mendez has 10 goals and five assists. Takefusa Kubo, a former Real Madrid squad player, is also enjoying life at La Real with nine goals and six assists.
David Silva and Mikel Merino are two of the team’s most creative outlets this season, with 15 assists combined. At the same time, we’re also seeing the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Mohamed-Ali Cho come of age.
Prior to the season, Imanol Alguacil set out on a mission to bring Real Sociedad back to the Champions League after a decade-long absence, and he has succeeded. In fact, being in the Top 4 feels like winning La Liga for them.
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