Wayne Rooney, a legend of Manchester United and England, doesn’t hesitate to praise the current managerial talent in the Premier League, but his rankings might surprise some. While acknowledging Mikel Arteta’s impressive work at Arsenal, Rooney places the Gunners’ boss third in his estimation of the league’s top tacticians.
At the pinnacle of Rooney’s list stands Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s sustained success. Guardiola’s trophy-laden career extends beyond England, boasting triumphs in Spain and Germany, alongside three Champions League titles – a testament to his enduring brilliance.
Just below Guardiola, Rooney identifies Unai Emery as the second-best manager currently operating in the Premier League. Emery’s journey has been one of redemption, particularly after a challenging period at Arsenal following the long reign of Arsene Wenger.
The narrative surrounding Emery dramatically shifted upon his arrival at Aston Villa. He swiftly guided the club to Champions League qualification, a historic achievement, and is now orchestrating a genuine Premier League title challenge, defying pre-season expectations.
Rooney reflects on the difficulty of succeeding a club icon like Wenger, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson in their transitions. He believes the pressure at Arsenal unfairly colored perceptions of Emery’s capabilities.
However, the conversation doesn’t end there. Rooney also shines a spotlight on an unexpected contender for Manager of the Year: Sunderland’s Regis Le Bris. The Black Cats, widely predicted for an immediate return to the Championship, are thriving under Le Bris’s guidance.
Sunderland’s remarkable ascent includes a stunning victory in the fiercely contested Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United, solidifying their position and silencing early-season doubts. They currently sit comfortably in seventh place, a testament to Le Bris’s impact.
Rooney recalls a rare victory against Le Bris during his own managerial stint at Plymouth Argyle, acknowledging the significant transformation of the Sunderland squad and their tactical evolution. He notes Le Bris’s background as an analyst coach and his success in securing promotion with Sunderland.
In fact, Rooney goes as far as to suggest that, at this moment, Le Bris is the leading candidate for the Premier League Manager of the Year award, surpassing all other contenders with his exceptional work at Sunderland. It’s a bold statement, but one rooted in admiration for a manager exceeding all expectations.
Rooney’s own experiences navigating the managerial landscape, with spells at Derby County, Birmingham City, Plymouth Argyle, and DC United, provide a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of leading from the sidelines.
