Discover the 19 best assistant managers in Football Manager 2024. Find the perfect tactical mind to boost your team’s success.
Finding the Perfect Assistant Manager – A Game-Changer in FM24
Let’s be honest, we all love micromanaging in Football Manager. But when the season gets tough, a top-tier Assistant Manager can be the difference between a well-oiled machine and a chaotic mess. Whether you need someone to handle training, tactical advice, or simply help maintain squad morale, choosing the right assistant is crucial. I’ve compiled a list of the best 19 Assistant Managers you should consider in FM24, whether you’re managing an elite club or looking for a hidden gem in the lower leagues.
An assistant manager is more than just a sidekick. He sets up training schedules, gives advice during matches, provides tactical feedback, and even boosts morale within the squad. The right assistant can help you refine your team’s style and identify the best players to sign or promote from within. That’s why getting the perfect fit for your club’s ambitions is so important.
Let’s dive in.
1. Pepijn Lijnders (Liverpool)
๐ฅ Best for: High-pressing, tactical coaching
⚠️ Watch out for: Hard to poach from Liverpool
2. Peter Krawietz (Liverpool)
๐ฅ Best for: Tactical insight, balanced teams
⚠️ Watch out for: Won’t leave Liverpool easily
3. Davide Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
๐ฅ Best for: Set-pieces, tactical advice
⚠️ Watch out for: Tied to Real Madrid
4. Marco Landucci (Juventus)
๐ฅ Best for: Defensive tactics, experience
⚠️ Watch out for: Not ideal for high-intensity football
5. Rodolfo Borrell (Austin FC)
๐ฅ Best for: Developing young players, motivation
⚠️ Watch out for: Might demand high wages
6. Joรฃo Sacramento (Al-Duhail)
๐ฅ Best for: Tactical discipline, structure
⚠️ Watch out for: Highly adaptable, but may struggle in less structured environments
7. Bryan Klug (Ipswich)
๐ฅ Best for: Youth development
⚠️ Watch out for: Low level of discipline
8. Dennis Bergkamp (Free Agent)
๐ฅ Best for: Technical development, mentoring attackers
⚠️ Watch out for: No flying – he won’t go far!
9. Pablo Sanz (Free Agent)
๐ฅ Best for: Tactical balance, squad harmony
⚠️ Watch out for: Doesn’t excel in any one area
10. Allan Russell (Free Agent)
๐ฅ Best for: Set-piece dominance
⚠️ Watch out for: Not a strong general coach
11. Zeljko Buvac (Dinamo Moscow)
๐ฅ Best for: Tactical coaching, squad motivation
⚠️ Watch out for: Expensive wage demands
12. Raรบl Josรฉ (Free Agent)
๐ฅ Best for: Attacking coaching, squad motivation
⚠️ Watch out for: Not a youth development specialist, better suited for first-team coaching.
13. Sidnei Lobo (Free Agent)
A Brazilian assistant manager with a sharp tactical mind, Sidnei Lobo is a great fit for clubs looking to play an expansive, attacking style of football. His ability to judge player ability and potential makes him an excellent addition for teams focused on recruitment and squad building. However, his defensive coaching is not his strongest suit, meaning he’s better suited to teams that prioritize flair and creativity over defensive solidity.
๐ฅ Best for: Tactical coaching, player scouting
๐️ Best suited for: Attack-minded clubs.
⚠️ Watch out for: Weak defensive coaching, not ideal for defensively rigid teams
14. Terry Skiverton (AFC Wimbledon)
๐ฅ Best for: Squad harmony, man-management
⚠️ Watch out for: Limited tactical expertise
15. Pau Martรญ (Malaysia National Team)
๐ฅ Best for: Youth development, tactical structure
⚠️ Watch out for: Limited experience at elite club level
16. Carlos Fernรกndez (Sporting CP)
๐ฅ Best for: Man-management, squad harmony
⚠️ Watch out for: Lacks elite tactical expertise
17. Gary McAllister (Free Agent)
๐ฅ Best for: Leadership, player motivation
⚠️ Watch out for: Not a tactical mastermind
18. Joaquim Milheiro (Qatar U23s)
๐ฅ Best for: Academy projects, youth scouting
⚠️ Watch out for: Inexperienced at senior club level
19. Edd Vahid (Free Agent)
๐ฅ Best for: Recruitment, scouting
⚠️ Watch out for: Not a strong tactical coach
Each of these assistants specializes in different areas, from tactical expertise to youth development and scouting. Depending on your club’s focus, one of these options could be the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts – Who Should You Hire?
Picking the right assistant in FM24 can elevate your entire managerial experience. Whether you want an analytical mastermind, a youth development guru, or a tactical specialist, this guide should help you make the right choice. Who will be your second-in-command this season?