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)
Liverpool's assistant coach and tactical mastermind. With exceptional technical coaching (17 in attacking) and a professional personality, he's a must-have for possession-based football. He's worked closely with Klopp and understands high-intensity pressing tactics like few others.
🔥 Best for: High-pressing, tactical coaching
🏟️ Best suited for: Any club playing high-intensity pressing football
with a focus on attacking play.
⚠️ Watch out for: Hard to poach from Liverpool
2. Peter Krawietz (Liverpool)
Another Liverpool gem, Krawietz is known for his tactical expertise and solid man-management. If you want a second-in-command who truly understands modern football, he's your guy. His ability to analyze match data and tweak tactics accordingly makes him invaluable for in-game adjustments.
🔥 Best for: Tactical insight, balanced teams
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs that emphasize tactical flexibility and
detailed match preparation.
⚠️ Watch out for: Won't leave Liverpool easily
3. Davide Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
Following in his father's footsteps, Davide is an incredible assistant with top-tier tactical skills and set-piece expertise. If you can get him, your set-pieces will improve dramatically. He's young, intelligent, and already has experience at the highest level of football.
🔥 Best for: Set-pieces, tactical advice
🏟️ Best suited for: Top-tier clubs aiming to maximize their tactical
depth and set-piece efficiency.
⚠️ Watch out for: Tied to Real Madrid
READ ALSO: 5 Legendary Football Managers You MUST Try to Emulate in Football Manager!
4. Marco Landucci (Juventus)
A seasoned assistant with a well-rounded skill set. He has solid tactical knowledge and a keen eye for set-pieces, making him a great addition for clubs wanting defensive stability. His experience at Juventus means he understands what it takes to win trophies.
🔥 Best for: Defensive tactics, experience
🏟️ Best suited for: Teams focusing on solid defensive structures and
counter-attacking setups.
⚠️ Watch out for: Not ideal for high-intensity football
5. Rodolfo Borrell (Austin FC)
A former Manchester City assistant with elite man-management and youth development skills. If you're managing a young squad, he's the ideal mentor. His ability to nurture talent and instil discipline makes him a great long-term investment.
🔥 Best for: Developing young players, motivation
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs with a strong emphasis on youth development
and attacking football.
⚠️ Watch out for: Might demand high wages
6. João Sacramento (Al-Duhail)
A highly-rated assistant who worked with Mourinho at Tottenham. Great for structured, disciplined teams looking for a strong tactical mind. He brings an analytical approach to the game, ensuring teams are always well-prepared tactically.
🔥 Best for: Tactical discipline, structure
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs that require disciplined tactical setups and
structured defensive play.
⚠️ Watch out for: Highly adaptable, but may struggle in less structured
environments
READ ALSO: How to Maximize Your Scouting Network in Football Manager
7. Bryan Klug (Ipswich)
A youth development specialist who is perfect for clubs looking to build their squad from within. His ability to judge player potential is unmatched. If you're focused on producing homegrown talent, Klug is your man.
🔥 Best for: Youth development
🏟️ Best suited for: Lower-league clubs or teams focusing on producing
homegrown talent.
⚠️ Watch out for: Low level of discipline
8. Dennis Bergkamp (Free Agent)
A legend on the pitch, and a perfectionist as a coach. If you're looking for a world-class technical mind, Bergkamp is a fantastic choice. He has a sharp eye for player development and can inspire young attackers to reach their full potential.
🔥 Best for: Technical development, mentoring attackers
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs looking to develop technically gifted players
with an emphasis on ball control.
⚠️ Watch out for: No flying – he won't go far!
9. Pablo Sanz (Free Agent)
Former Wolves and Sevilla assistant, great for managing squad dynamics and tactical coaching. Solid all-around choice for mid-table teams. He's a balanced option who can provide stability to your coaching staff.
🔥 Best for: Tactical balance, squad harmony
🏟️ Best suited for: Mid-table clubs looking to build a solid tactical
foundation and squad harmony.
⚠️ Watch out for: Doesn't excel in any one area
READ ALSO: Top 250 FM24 Recruitment Staff Shortlist – Best Scouts, DoFs & Analysts
10. Allan Russell (Free Agent)
Set-piece genius! If you want to dominate dead-ball situations, Russell's 16 in Set-Piece Coaching will work wonders. His strategies can give you an edge in tight matches where set-pieces make the difference.
🔥 Best for: Set-piece dominance
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs that heavily rely on set-piece play and
physical dominance in matches.
⚠️ Watch out for: Not a strong general coach
11. Zeljko Buvac (Dinamo Moscow)
Once Klopp's trusted right-hand man, Buvac is a tactical expert with a deep understanding of high-intensity pressing systems. If you want someone with a wealth of top-level experience, he's your man. However, he commands a high wage and may not be easy to lure away from his current job.
🔥 Best for: Tactical coaching, squad motivation
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs aiming for intense pressing football with a
strong tactical backbone.
⚠️ Watch out for: Expensive wage demands
12. Raúl José (Free Agent)
A technical mastermind with years of experience at Benfica, Raúl José is an excellent option for clubs looking to build long-term strategies. He specializes in youth scouting and development, making him an ideal choice for clubs with a strong academy setup.
🔥 Best for: Attacking coaching, squad motivation
🏟️ Best suited for: Attack-minded clubs.
⚠️ 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.
🔥 Best for: Tactical coaching, player scouting
🏟️ Best suited for: Attack-minded clubs.
⚠️ Watch out for: Weak defensive coaching, not ideal for defensively
rigid teams
READ ALSO: FM24 Top 400 Coaches Guide – Build Your Dream Staff
14. Terry Skiverton (AFC Wimbledon)
A lower-league gem, Skiverton is fantastic for clubs looking for an assistant who can boost morale and keep players engaged. If you're managing in the EFL, he's a solid pick. However, his tactical knowledge is not as strong as some of the others on this list.
🔥 Best for: Squad harmony, man-management
🏟️ Best suited for: Lower-league teams needing strong leadership and
morale management.
⚠️ Watch out for: Limited tactical expertise
15. Pau Martí (Malaysia National Team)
A highly organized assistant with experience in Barcelona's youth setup, Martí excels in tactical planning and structuring teams for success. He is an expert in nurturing young talents and is particularly useful for clubs that want to build a long-term project. However, he lacks experience in top-flight club football, which may limit his adaptability.
🔥 Best for: Youth development, tactical structure
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs focused on structured youth development and
tactical planning.
⚠️ Watch out for: Limited experience at elite club level
16. Carlos Fernández (Sporting CP)
Carlos Fernández is a versatile assistant with a well-rounded skill set in man-management and coaching. He is particularly strong in squad dynamics and maintaining team cohesion, making him a great pick for clubs that need strong leadership behind the scenes. However, he might not be as tactically sharp as other top-tier assistants.
🔥 Best for: Man-management, squad harmony
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs requiring strong man-management and squad
cohesion strategies.
⚠️ Watch out for: Lacks elite tactical expertise
READ ALSO: FM24 Best Medical Team Guide – Key Staff for Player Fitness and Injury Prevention
17. Gary McAllister (Free Agent)
A well-respected coach with experience at clubs like Rangers and Aston Villa, McAllister is a strong choice for teams that need a morale booster. He brings leadership and experience to any club, ensuring a solid presence in the dressing room. However, his tactical ability is not as refined as some of the other elite assistant managers.
🔥 Best for: Leadership, player motivation
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs in need of a leadership presence to enhance
player motivation.
⚠️ Watch out for: Not a tactical mastermind
18. Joaquim Milheiro (Qatar U23s)
A Portuguese coach with a focus on youth development, Milheiro is a great option for clubs aiming to nurture young talent. His scouting and player development skills make him an excellent choice for teams that rely on their academy. However, his lack of experience managing at the senior club level could be a downside.
🔥 Best for: Academy projects, youth scouting
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs aiming to maximize their academy output and
youth scouting potential.
⚠️ Watch out for: Inexperienced at senior club level
19. Edd Vahid (Free Agent)
Vahid is a specialist in recruitment and data-driven scouting, making him a perfect addition to clubs that rely on analytical approaches. His ability to judge player potential ensures that clubs make informed signings. However, his tactical input may be limited, meaning he's best suited to clubs with an established tactical approach.
🔥 Best for: Recruitment, scouting
🏟️ Best suited for: Clubs prioritizing data-driven scouting and
recruitment strategies.
⚠️ 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.
READ NEXT: Top 200 FM24 Assistant Managers Shortlist
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?
