Copa America 2024 has been mesmerising to watch. The biggest stars from world football took center stage to participate in the quadrennial football tournament organised by the South American Football Association CONMEBOL. 16 teams across America get their chance to play in the tournament. USA prepared for yet another big event after co-hosting the T20 World Cup. Only 4 teams remain as the tournament comes to a business end.
Argentina will take on Canada in the first semi-final and Colombia will be facing Uruguay in the second. Miami awaits yet another big final on the 14th of July local time. The game has seen some harsh football in the tournament. Over the years, the fans have witnessed some amazing footballers, the likes of Diego Maradona, Pele, Lionel Messi, Carlos Valderrama, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and many more. But the tournament has also given light to some of the big coaches in world football as well.
The Latin American coaches have built tactical brilliance over the years with the quality they used to possess during their playing days and later as football managers of the team. Not every footballer has been a successful coach. Some managers are better coaches than they are players. Here we take a look at some of the best managers in Copa America’s history.
Here are the top 10 Football Managers in Copa America history
10. Luiz Felipe Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari is one of the biggest coaching names in world football. The Brazilian manager helped the Selecaos win the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He used to play an attacking brand of football. Scolari was also known for boosting team spirit and for using religion-inspired motivational techniques. He was the coach of Brazil in two stints from 2001-2002 and then from 2012-2014. In 2001 he led the five-time world champions to the knockout stages.
9. Ricardo Gareca
Ricardo Gareca is one of the finest Argentine managers. The 1986 World Cup winner with the La Albiceletse was the coach of Peru from 2015-2022 giving them much success. He led them to the semi-finals of the competition and eventually occupied third place in 2015. He guided Peru to its greatest feat in their history after 44 years in 2021 when they reached the final.
8. Manuel Fleitas Solich
Manuel Fleitas Solich was regarded as one of the finest managers. The Paraguayan footballer took La Albirroja to their first-ever silverware in the 1953 Copa America. He had immense success with the national team and was thus regarded as ‘The Wizard’ He was the coach for the national side in five editions of the competition across three different spells.
7. Jorge Sampaoli
Jorge Sampaoli was the coach of Chile for four years and he gained massive success with the squad by giving them two back-to-back Copa America championships in 2015 and 2016 beating Argentina in both finals. He transformed the squad totally from an underdog to a title contender during his spell with the national team. Despite the success, he left the team in 2016.
6. Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino
Gerardo Martino, popularly known as Tata Martino is one of the finest tacticians in modern-day football. He has coached some of the big clubs in world football. He was the coach of Argentina for two years and led them to two finals of the Copa America. Both ended in a loss but under him, the side performed well.
5. Oscar Tabarez
Oscar Tabarez is one such revolutionary name in Uruguay football. He was the manager of the La Celeste for 15 years. He helped the side restore to its former glory with numerous achievements. Under him, the side ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning Copa America in 2011.
4. Alfio Basile
Alfio Basile, was the last manager for Argentina to win two successive Copa America trophies. He guided the La Albiceleste to successive in 1991 and 1993. The side in both the editions went unbeaten to become the champions of America. During his second spell back in 2007 guided the side to another Copa America final.
3. Luis Tirado
Luis Tirado is one such manager who is regarded as the greatest Chilean manager without any silverware success. He guided the side in six editions of the tournament across three spells and finished runners-up in 1955 and 1956. He managed 14 different clubs over 30 years.
2. Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa is another revolutionary manager of world football. He introduced the team to his revolutionary “Bielsa Ball” idea, which once converted Chile into a dangerous team. He presently is the coach of Uruguay. His fast-paced and aggressive play, Bielsa’s style made him one of the most exciting teams. He despite no major silverware as a manager will look to add one.
1. Lionel Scaloni
Lionel Scaloni is the greatest Argentine manager of all time. The 46-year-old manager has won every single trophy with the reigning World Cup champions. He led them to their first trophy after 28 years. Then he ended their 36-year World Cup drought by winning the most prestigious football accolade in 2022. His team is again in the semi-final of the competition and will face Canada.
