The Definitive FM26 Coaching Guide to Build an Elite Backroom Team
In Football Manager 2026, the margin between a title-winning side and a mid-table bottler often comes down to one thing – the quality of your coaching team. And this year, with SI introducing attribute words instead of numbers for staff, identifying the best coaches has never been more confusing.
Whether you want world-class tactical trainers, elite fitness gurus, set-piece masterminds or top-tier goalkeeper coaches, this guide breaks down everything you need. You’ll find clear explanations, the new FM26 attribute translation table, and curated lists of the best coaches across all four coaching categories.
Consider this your cheat code for assembling a high-performance staff unit that develops wonderkids faster, improves match performances and gives you a genuine edge all season long.
FM26 Staff Attribute Words – What They Actually Mean
FM26 ditched the classic 1–20 scale for staff and replaced it with descriptive words. It’s meant to feel immersive, but let’s be honest – most of us just want to know the numbers. Here’s the conversion:
| Attribute Word | Numeric Range |
|---|---|
| Unsuited | 1–3 |
| Reasonable | 4–6 |
| Competent | 7–9 |
| Average | 10–11 |
| Good | 12–14 |
| Very Good | 15–17 |
| Outstanding | 18–19 |
| Elite | 20 |
Treat anything rated “Very Good” as a strong attribute and “Elite” as genuinely world-class. When browsing staff profiles, this table will help you spot the real specialists instantly.
Jump To:
- What Does a Coach Do in FM26?
- What Makes a Great Coach?
- Best Coaches in FM26
- Best Goalkeeper Coaches in FM26
- Best Set Piece Coaches in FM26
- Best Fitness Coaches in FM26
What Does a Coach Do in FM26?
A coach in FM26 improves your players through daily training, increasing their attributes, sharpening their tactical understanding and maintaining consistent development throughout the season. They influence training quality, player progression speed, intensity distribution and positional growth.
Strong coaching also reduces performance dips, keeps squad depth improving evenly, and ensures your star players and youngsters reach their potential faster. In short, great coaches directly impact results on the pitch – not just long-term development.
What Makes a Great Coach?
A great coach in FM26 combines elite technical attributes with high Determination, Discipline and Motivating. These three mental attributes massively affect how efficient a coach is and how quickly players improve under them.
For specialists like fitness, goalkeeping or set pieces, the key technical attribute is crucial. For general coaches, you want a strong spread across tactical, technical and mental categories. Personality also matters – Model Citizen and Perfectionist are gold standards.
READ MORE: FM26 Wonderkids by Potential, Price and Position
Best Coaches in FM26
Discover the best coaches in FM26 to transform your backroom team, boost player development and squeeze every last percentage out of your tactic. From elite fitness experts to world class assistant managers, this guide helps you find the perfect staff additions for any save.
Mario Cecchi - Inter Milan
Mario Cecchi is a superb all-round coach who brings a blend of experience, personality and elite tactical understanding to any backroom team. His Outstanding Tactical coaching combined with Very Good ratings in Defending, Set Pieces and Working With Youngsters makes him a brilliant fit for managers who want structured, high-quality training across multiple units. Mentally, he’s rock solid thanks to his Very Good Determination and Motivating, which means players respond well to him and develop faster. Despite being unsuited to goalkeeping work, the rest of his attribute profile more than compensates, especially in possession and technical development. Currently at Inter Milan, Cecchi is exactly the kind of coach who quietly elevates standards day after day and keeps your squad progressing at pace.
Ferruccio Cerasaro - Al-Hilal
Ferruccio Cerasaro is a versatile general coach who offers a balanced spread of Good-level coaching attributes, making him a reliable option for clubs looking to strengthen their overall training quality. His standout strengths lie in Set Pieces, Judging Player Ability and Judging Player Potential, all rated Very Good, which gives him an analytical edge that improves both training efficiency and player assessments. While his Authority is Unsuited and his Fitness coaching is only Average, his strong Tactical Knowledge and consistent Good ratings across Attacking, Defending and Technical work keep him valuable in day-to-day training. Cerasaro’s background as a long-time performance analyst also means he brings a data-driven approach to player development. Currently at Al-Hilal, he’s the type of coach who quietly improves structure, reduces training inconsistencies and raises your squad’s tactical intelligence.
Miguel D'Agostino - Free Agent
Miguel D'Agostino is one of the most well-rounded free-agent coaches you can pick up in FM26, offering a superb tactical profile backed by decades of top-level experience. His Outstanding Defending coaching paired with Very Good ratings in Tactical, Possession and Working With Youngsters makes him ideal for clubs aiming to build a structured, intelligent training environment. Mentally, he’s elite, boasting Very Good Authority, Determination and Motivating – players respond to him instantly and maintain higher training intensity. His background working alongside Pochettino at Spurs, PSG, Chelsea and several other clubs gives him a modern, high-press, detail-driven edge that translates brilliantly into FM. If you need a leader who upgrades your defensive unit and improves youth development simultaneously, D'Agostino is a top-tier signing without costing you a penny in compensation.
Marcel Daum - Bayer Leverkusen
Marcel Daum is a modern, analysis-driven coach who slots perfectly into any backroom team that values tactical detail and structured training. His standout attribute is his Very Good Tactical coaching, supported by Very Good ratings in Negotiating and Tactical Knowledge, which makes him particularly sharp in game-model implementation and training design. While he’s unsuited for Fitness and Technical coaching, his background as a long-term performance analyst at Frankfurt, Romania and Leverkusen gives him a data-first approach that translates into smarter, more efficient sessions. Mentally, he’s steady and consistent, with Good Adaptability, Determination and Authority helping players buy into his methods quickly. If your club wants a coach who boosts tactical cohesion and brings a modern analytical edge, Daum is a valuable addition despite his narrower specialist profile.
John Gannon - Manchester City
John Gannon is a well-rounded, experienced coach whose biggest strengths lie in talent evaluation rather than specialist on-pitch training, making him a useful hybrid option for clubs that value smart squad building. His Very Good Judging Player Ability and Very Good Judging Player Potential stand out immediately and give him a scouting edge even when operating in a coaching role. Although his coaching attributes sit mostly at Competent or Average, he brings Good ratings in Determination, Authority and People Management, which help maintain solid training standards. His unsuited Goalkeeping and Motivating limit him in more intense environments, but his Tactical Knowledge being Very Good ensures he still adds value in preparing your squad for matches. Currently part of Manchester City’s staff, he’s best used in developmental or supplementary coaching roles where his experience and analytical eye can shine without the pressure of specialist responsibilities.
Steve Holland - Free Agent
Steve Holland is one of the elite free-agent coaches available in FM26, bringing a rare mix of top-tier coaching quality, leadership and long-term experience at the highest level. His Outstanding Adaptability and Outstanding Authority immediately set him apart, allowing him to manage diverse squads and command instant respect in the dressing room. On the training pitch, he excels with Very Good Tactical coaching, Good Technical work and an Outstanding rating for Working With Youngsters, making him ideal for clubs that want to blend tactical precision with strong youth development. His background as England’s long-serving assistant manager and his spells at Chelsea give him a modern, high-performance training profile built for elite clubs. If you want a coach who will raise standards across every department and improve the mindset of your squad, Holland is a no-brainer signing.
Marco Ianni - Lazio
Marco Ianni is a strong all-round coach with a clear emphasis on defensive structure, discipline and player motivation, making him an excellent asset for any club that values organisation and intensity. His Very Good Defending, Good Attacking coaching and solid Mental attributes – especially Elite Adaptability and Very Good Determination and Motivating – allow him to slot into new environments seamlessly and get players working at high standards quickly. Although his Tactical and Technical ratings sit at Average and he’s unsuited for Goalkeeping training, his ability to work with youngsters at a Reasonable level and his Very Good People Management make him highly effective in daily training. Ianni’s background working alongside Sarri at Chelsea, Juventus and multiple Italian clubs gives him a modern, possession-focused coaching identity. If you need a dependable defensive-minded coach who lifts training intensity and adapts instantly, he’s a top-tier choice.
Alex Inglethorpe - Liverpool
Alex Inglethorpe is an exceptional all-round coach with a clear youth-development identity, making him one of the most valuable staff members you can bring into a long-term FM26 project. His Elite rating for Working With Youngsters combined with Very Good Technical, Very Good Possession and Good Tactical coaching means he consistently produces smarter, technically refined players. Mentally he’s outstanding – with Outstanding Authority and Very Good Determination and Motivating – allowing him to set high standards and influence player mentality across the entire squad. While he’s unsuited for goalkeeping work and only Average in Set Pieces, his ability to elevate young talent and maintain a structured, professional training environment is elite-level. As Liverpool’s long-serving Head of Youth Development, Inglethorpe represents the gold standard for player progression and is a game-changing addition for any club prioritising youth pathways.
Stefan Kohfahl - Real Madrid
Stefan Kohfahl is a classic example of a quietly elite backroom operator who slips under the radar because he isn’t flashy, but delivers consistent value wherever he works. His coaching spread is balanced across the board, with Competent Attacking and Defending, solid Fitness and Technical, and Very Good Working With Youngsters making him a reliable all-round training asset. His biggest strengths, however, sit firmly in the knowledge department where he shines with Very Good Judging Player Ability, Judging Player Potential and Tactical Knowledge. These attributes make him excellent in hybrid roles where a club wants both strong training output and deeper analytical insight.
Mentally he’s steady rather than inspiring – Determination is Good but Motivating is Unsuitable, so he won’t lift morale or drive intensity like elite-level coaches can. Still, his Competent People Management and balanced profile allow him to slot into high-level environments without disruption. Overall, Kohfahl is a safe, dependable coach with strong evaluation skills who’s ideal for clubs wanting stability and intelligent player assessment blended with solid day-to-day coaching quality.
Pepijn Lijnders - Manchester City
Pepijn Lijnders is one of the most complete coaches you can bring into an FM26 backroom team, blending elite coaching output with a sharp tactical mind. His profile is stacked with Very Good ratings across Attacking, Tactical, Technical, Possession and Working With Youngsters, making him a multi-purpose training weapon who improves almost every phase of your squad’s development. Whether you’re running an aggressive pressing system or a slow positional build-up, Lijnders consistently enhances execution and player understanding.
Mentally he’s equally impressive – Adaptability, Determination and Motivating are all Very Good, while his People Management and Authority sit at a strong Good. This makes him ideal for teams aiming to elevate professionalism and maintain high intensity throughout long seasons. His knowledge attributes are rock solid too, with Very Good Judging Player Potential ensuring accurate internal evaluations and long-term squad building. The only real weakness is an Unsuitable rating for Goalkeeping, but everything else is top-tier.
Overall, Lijnders is a high-impact, modern coach whose tactical insight and training versatility make him one of the best hires in FM26 – especially for managers who want fluid, high-energy football driven by intelligent, well-coached players.
Francesco Mauri - Brazil National Team
Francesco Mauri is a unique hybrid coach who brings a rare blend of tactical understanding, technical coaching and elite-level man-management. His background as a physio turned fitness coach turned assistant manager gives him a very modern, multi-disciplinary profile that translates extremely well in FM26. On the training ground he offers Good ratings across Attacking, Defending, Tactical, Technical and Possession coaching, making him a flexible all-rounder who can slot into almost any training unit without a drop in quality.
Where Mauri really stands out is mentally – Very Good Adaptability, Determination and Motivating paired with Outstanding People Management make him a superb culture-setter. He lifts standards, improves relationships and keeps squads aligned with the manager’s vision. Add in Very Good Judging Player Potential and Very Good Tactical Knowledge, and you get a coach who not only improves players technically but also helps steer your long-term squad planning with accuracy.
His only notable weakness is being Unsuitable for Goalkeeping coaching and merely Average when working with youngsters, so he’s not ideal for academy-focused setups. But for senior squads looking for a modern, charismatic assistant capable of boosting both training efficiency and dressing-room dynamics, Mauri is an exceptional choice with a profile far stronger than his age of just 36 suggests.
José Meléndez – Chivas
José Meléndez is a young but surprisingly well-rounded coach whose strengths lie in tactical preparation and staff evaluation rather than pure on-pitch technical work. His Good ratings across Attacking, Defending, Possession and Set Pieces make him a reliable all-rounder, while his Very Good Working With Youngsters gives him a natural fit in clubs that value youth integration. Mentally, he stands out through Good Determination, Good Motivating and Very Good People Management, allowing him to operate confidently in environments demanding leadership and clear communication. His Judging Player Ability, Judging Player Potential and Judging Staff Ability sit firmly at Good or Very Good, giving him credibility as both a coach and internal evaluator. Currently managing Chivas’ Under 21s, Meléndez profiles best as a developmental or assistant coach who brings balance, tactical awareness and strong interpersonal qualities without relying on any single specialist attribute.
Boro Primorac - Free Agent
Boro Primorac is one of the most experienced coaches available in FM26, bringing decades of elite-level knowledge from Arsenal, Nagoya Grampus and Hajduk. His coaching profile is built around strong technical fundamentals, with Very Good ratings in Attacking, Possession, Tactical and Technical training, making him a rock-solid all-round option for any staff room. What really sets him apart is his Elite Adaptability, allowing him to settle instantly in any league or environment, backed by Good Determination, Authority and People Management. While his Fitness and Goalkeeping attributes sit at Average or Reasonable, and his Motivating is slightly lower, his overall skillset still makes him a reliable senior figure. For clubs needing a veteran presence to stabilise standards, mentor younger coaches and ensure consistently high-quality sessions, Primorac is a superb free-agent pickup.
Pepe Reina - Villarreal
Pepe Reina is a high-impact coach whose value comes from elite mentality, leadership and player assessment rather than pure on-pitch technical training. With Elite Adaptability and Determination plus Outstanding Authority and Motivating, he instantly commands respect and lifts standards in any dressing room. His Judging Player Ability is Outstanding and his Judging Potential and Staff Ability are Very Good, making him exceptional at identifying talent and guiding a club’s long-term development. While his coaching attributes are mostly in the Good range and not specialist-level, his Elite ability to work with youngsters makes him ideal for academy environments. Reina is the perfect addition for clubs wanting a charismatic mentor who boosts morale, sharpens mentality and accelerates the growth of young prospects.
Ferran Reverter
Ferran Reverter is a fascinating outlier in the world of Football Manager coaching profiles. Despite coming from a boardroom background rather than a traditional playing or coaching pathway, he brings a surprisingly well-rounded skillset that translates far better to the training ground than you’d expect. His Attacking, Defending, Possession and Technical coaching all sit at Very Good, making him a versatile option for clubs that need a competent all-round coach who won’t hold back player development.
Where Reverter truly stands out is in the mental department. His People Management is Outstanding, instantly marking him as someone who can stabilise a dressing room, communicate well with players and keep squad harmony intact. Determination and Motivating are both Very Good, meaning he’ll bring intensity and standards to any training environment, while his Judging Player Ability also sits at a strong Very Good. Tactical coaching is solid, though the Tactical Knowledge itself is only Good, placing him more in the category of a developmental or supportive coach rather than a tactical specialist.
Given his background as Barcelona’s director between 2021 and 2022, his move into a non-playing coaching role is unconventional but intriguing. In FM terms, he fits best as a versatile senior coach who can cover multiple training categories, support tactical work without leading it and bring elite-level man-management to any staff room. If you need a calm, structured presence with strong technical fundamentals and top-tier player-handling ability, Reverter is a smart, underrated signing for mid-to-top-tier clubs.
Stijn Schaars - PSV
Schaars is a former Dutch international who has transitioned into a steady, tactically reliable coach after a respectable playing career. His strongest areas are Defending, Tactical and Technical coaching, backed by Very Good mental attributes such as Determination and People Management. While his Authority is completely unsuited and his Goalkeeping coaching is a write-off, he remains a dependable all-round option for clubs that value structure and discipline in training. His Working With Youngsters is only Reasonable, making him better suited to senior squads than youth development. Overall, Schaars is a safe, no-nonsense coach who won’t reinvent the wheel but will raise standards every single day.
Iñigo Domínguez - Free Agent
Iñigo Domínguez is a seasoned coach with a strong background across multiple continents, bringing calm authority and reliable training-ground structure wherever he goes. His Good Attacking, Possession and Tactical coaching make him a balanced all-rounder, while his Outstanding Motivating attribute ensures players stay sharp and engaged even in tougher periods. Domínguez’s Very Good Judging Player Ability and Good Judging Player Potential give him a clear edge when helping identify talent and shaping squad development. Although unsuited to goalkeeping coaching and only average in technical training, his experience at major clubs like Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Marseille, Al-Sadd and Man City makes him a dependable senior figure for any staff team seeking stability and professionalism.
Piet Cremers - Wales
Piet Cremers is a data-driven modern coach who brings a performance analyst’s eye to the training pitch. With Very Good Tactical and Technical coaching, plus Outstanding Motivating and Very Good Determination, he is perfectly suited to squeezing more intensity and detail out of young, hungry squads. His background at Man City’s analytics department, followed by coaching roles at Burnley and now Wales, means he understands how to turn raw tracking data into clear, actionable sessions. Cremers is not a set-piece specialist, but if you want a progressive coach who can translate complex tactical ideas into simple drills and keep standards high every day, he is a smart long-term hire.
READ MORE: Best FM26 Bargain Players You Can Steal For Under £10M
Best Goalkeeper Coaches in FM26
Upgrade your number one with the best goalkeeper coaches in FM26, specialists who sharpen shot stopping, aerial command and distribution. This section highlights the top keeper coaches you should hire to turn average stoppers into reliable match winners.
José Manuel Ochotorena – Valencia
José Manuel Ochotorena is an Elite-level goalkeeping coach with decades of experience at the highest level, bringing exceptional technical refinement and consistency to every keeper he works with. His Very Good mental attributes, especially Motivation, Determination and People Management, make him a calm, authoritative figure who elevates player confidence. He pairs strong technical understanding with Very Good Judging Player Ability and Potential, allowing him to guide both established professionals and developing keepers. With long-term spells at Valencia, Spain and Liverpool, he remains one of the most reliable veteran GK coaches available in world football.
Gianluca Spinelli – Inter
Gianluca Spinelli is a highly respected goalkeeping coach with Very Good GK coaching and an impressive pedigree across Italy, England and France. His Outstanding Judging Player Ability and Potential make him exceptional at identifying and elevating keepers at every stage of development. He brings strong Determination, Very Good People Management and solid Technical coaching, giving him a balanced, modern approach on the training ground. With major spells at Genoa, Italy, Chelsea, PSG and now Inter, Spinelli remains one of Europe’s most trusted and experienced goalkeeper specialists.
Claudio Filippi – AC Milan
Claudio Filippi is an elite goalkeeping coach whose strongest asset is his top-tier shot-stopping and handling development, backed by an Elite rating in Goalkeeping. His Very Good mentality attributes, especially Determination and Motivating, make him a steady and influential presence inside any training environment. Filippi has decades of experience working with elite keepers at Juventus and other top clubs, giving him a clear advantage when fine-tuning positioning, reflex work and modern distribution demands. Best suited to high-level clubs, he delivers a calm, methodical approach that consistently improves goalkeepers under pressure.
Javier García – Aston Villa
Javier García is a highly experienced goalkeeping coach whose Very Good goalkeeping rating and strong mental profile make him a reliable, steadying influence in any backroom team. His Determination, Motivating and People Management attributes allow him to get consistent improvements out of keepers at different development stages. He has worked at top clubs such as PSG, Arsenal, Villarreal and now Aston Villa, giving him a deep understanding of high-performance environments. Best suited to clubs that want a calm, balanced, technically focused GK coach, García delivers structure and clear progression for both senior keepers and emerging talent.
Xabier Mancisidor – Man City
Xabier Mancisidor is a vastly experienced goalkeeping coach whose Very Good goalkeeping attribute and elite mental profile make him a dependable figure at any top club. His Determination, Authority and Motivating ratings are all very strong, allowing him to push goalkeepers to higher standards while maintaining a calm, structured environment. Years of experience at clubs like Real Sociedad, Málaga and Man City give him a deep technical understanding that translates directly into goalkeeper development. Reliable, steady and proven at the highest level, he remains one of the most consistent long-term GK specialists in the game.
Silvino Louro – Free Agent
Silvino Louro is a highly experienced goalkeeping coach whose Very Good to Elite mental profile makes him a reliable mentor for both veteran keepers and developing prospects. His Goalkeeping coaching is rated Very Good, supported by Outstanding Authority and Elite levels in Determination and Motivation, allowing him to command respect instantly. Louro’s long international career and deep tactical knowledge translate into disciplined, technically polished sessions that raise a goalkeeper’s consistency and composure. With decades of top-level experience across Portugal, England and Spain, he’s best suited to clubs seeking a calm, authoritative figure who can stabilise their defensive unit from day one.
Franck Raviot - France national team Goalkeeping Coach
Franck Raviot is a very strong all-round goalkeeping coach, with very good ratings in pure goalkeeping, tactical work and working with youngsters, making him ideal if you want a long-term goalkeeper development plan. Mentally he brings very good determination, motivation and people management, so your keepers will rarely lack focus or drive under his guidance. His judging of player ability and potential is also very good, which helps you identify the right number one and future prospects for your system. With years of experience in the French setup and a European Championship runners-up medal on his CV, he offers both pedigree and reliability at international level or any ambitious club side.
Emilio Álvarez - Persepolis / Spain
Emilio Álvarez is an outstanding pure goalkeeping specialist, with top tier shot stopping and handling coaching backed up by competent work in fitness, defending and the tactical side of the position. His mental profile is very strong for a GK coach, combining very good authority, determination and motivating with equally impressive judging of player ability and potential. People management and communication are clear strengths, making him ideal for managing big characters and keeping number one and number two keepers focused. Ambitious by nature and with experience at clubs like Man Utd before moving to Persepolis, he is a high level option if you want to squeeze every last drop of development from your goalkeepers.
Gustavo Piñero - Free Agent
Gustavo Piñero is a 62 year old Argentine goalkeeping coach whose main strength lies in his man management and motivational skills, with Determination rated very good and Motivating outstanding. His pure goalkeeping coaching sits at a solid good level, backed up by good technical knowledge and very good Judging Player Ability, so he will develop and select keepers reliably even if he is not a pure elite technician. Piñero’s career path through Argentina’s youth sides, the senior national team, Racing Club and the Mexico national team means he has worked with a wide range of keeper profiles under big pressure. If you want an experienced, no nonsense GK coach who will push your number one and your prospects every single day, Piñero is a very safe free agent pickup.
Adriano Bonaiuti - Free Agent
Adriano Bonaiuti is a perfectionist Italian goalkeeping coach with Outstanding ratings for both Goalkeeping and Motivating, making him an elite specialist for any ambitious club. His Determination and Authority are Very Good, backed up by Outstanding People Management, so he can push keepers hard while keeping them firmly onside. Technically he is competent across possession work, set pieces and general technical coaching, with Good ability at working with youngsters if you are blooding academy goalkeepers. With long stints at Udinese, Roma and Inter on his CV, Bonaiuti brings serious Serie A pedigree and the mentality of a lifelong specialist to your backroom team.
Best Set Piece Coaches in FM26
Set pieces win titles in FM26, so having the right specialist on your staff is crucial. In this section you will find the best set piece coaches who can squeeze every last goal from corners, free kicks and long throws while tightening up your defending at dead balls.
Aaron Briggs - Liverpool
Aaron Briggs is a modern set piece specialist at Liverpool, with good ratings for Set Pieces backed up by strong Technical, Tactical and Working With Youngsters attributes, making him ideal for an analytically driven backroom team. His mental profile is rock solid for this role - good Determination, very good Motivation and very good Tactical Knowledge mean he can design detailed routines and actually get players to buy into them on the training ground. Coming from a data-heavy background as a performance analyst at Blackpool, Preston and then Man City, Briggs brings a very modern, metrics-based view of dead ball situations. Spells as head performance analyst at Monaco and assistant manager at Wolfsburg round out his experience, so if you want a young, forward-thinking set piece coach rather than an old-school specialist, Briggs is an excellent choice.
Vítor Castanheira - SEP
Castanheira is a high-end set piece coach with Very Good set pieces, Very Good technical coaching and Very Good tactical knowledge, so he can both design routines and coach the mechanics to execute them. His mental profile is strong where it matters, with Very Good motivation, Good determination and Good people management, meaning players actually buy into the extra work on dead balls. Coming from a long career as a creative midfielder and later assistant and head coach in Portugal and Greece, he brings a clear idea of how to use set pieces as an attacking weapon rather than just a defensive chore. If you want a loyal, detail-oriented coach to turn corners and wide free kicks into a consistent source of goals, Castanheira is an excellent shout for any ambitious top-flight side.
Bernardo Cueva - Chelsea
Cueva is a modern, data-led set piece specialist, combining Very Good ratings in Set Pieces, Technical and Tactical Knowledge with a calm, balanced personality that players buy into quickly. His background as Chivas' head performance analyst means he approaches corners and free kicks like mini tactical puzzles, looking for repeatable routines rather than one-off tricks. A four-year spell as Brentford's set piece coach sharpened his reputation for squeezing goals out of limited attacking resources, especially through clever blocking and late runs. At Chelsea he is the ideal choice if you want a structured, analytics-heavy approach to dead balls, turning your centre backs into genuine scoring weapons while keeping defensive organisation solid.
James French – Man City
James French is a modern, data-driven set piece coach whose background as a performance analyst gives him an edge in spotting patterns opponents miss. His Very Good Tactical and Very Good Set Pieces ratings make him a reliable option for top clubs wanting structured, detail-oriented dead-ball routines. Strong Determination and Very Good Judging Player Ability help him mould players into precise role specialists for attacking and defensive set pieces. With balanced personality traits and good People Management, he slots perfectly into elite environments without disrupting the dressing-room dynamics.
Nicolas Jover - Arsenal
Nicolas Jover is one of the very best set piece specialists in FM26, with Elite Set Pieces and Outstanding Technical coaching. His routines are highly detailed and repeatable, helped by very good Working With Youngsters and good Tactical Knowledge. He also brings strong Motivating and Determination, so players actually buy into the endless dead-ball drills. If you want instant improvement on both attacking and defensive set pieces at a top club, Jover is as close as you get to a guaranteed upgrade.
Lewis Mahoney - Liverpool
Lewis Mahoney is a very modern set piece coach profile, blending good Set Pieces and Tactical coaching with a strong background as a performance analyst at Swansea, Bristol Rovers, Southampton and now Liverpool. His mental attributes are solid for such a young coach, with good Determination, strong work with youngsters and enough Tactical Knowledge to help you build repeatable routines rather than one-off gimmicks. Technically he is still only competent compared to the elite names in this list, so he is better suited to a progressive club that values data, development and long-term growth over instant world-class delivery. If you want a cheap, high-upside set piece specialist who can grow with your project and help you squeeze marginal gains from analysis as well as coaching, Mahoney is a smart pick.
Gianni Vio - Watford
Gianni Vio is the old-school godfather of set pieces in FM26, a 72-year-old specialist whose very good Set Pieces, very good Technical coaching and strong Attacking numbers make him a pure dead-ball cheat code for any club that lives off fine margins. With outstanding Authority, very good Motivation and good Determination, he instantly commands respect in the dressing room and is ideal if you want your players to actually buy into detailed routines instead of switching off. His Tactical Knowledge and Judging Player Potential are good rather than elite, but decades of experience with Italy, Spurs, Leeds, Brentford, Cagliari, SPAL and now Watford mean you are hiring a proven difference-maker, not a laptop merchant. If you want corners and wide free-kicks to become a consistent source of goals and a way to nick results in tight games, Vio is still one of the smartest set piece signings you can make.
Damien Della Santa - Lyon
Damien Della Santa is a young French set piece coach with a clear upward trajectory, already offering very good Set Pieces coaching alongside solid Tactical and Technical ratings. His mental profile is tidy rather than spectacular, with good Determination, decent Authority and Motivating, plus enough Tactical Knowledge to help you design structured routines instead of relying on chaos in the box. Having moved from OGC Nice to Lyon as a dedicated set piece coach, he brings experience from two Ligue 1 environments despite only holding a National C Licence, which makes him an appealing, still-developing option for clubs who want modern, repeatable dead-ball work without paying elite-level wages. If you are managing an ambitious side in France or a similar tier elsewhere and you want a specialist who can grow with your project, Della Santa is a sensible, cost-effective hire.
Ryan Needs - Chicago
Ryan Needs is a data-driven set piece coach with a strong analysis background, bringing very good Set Pieces coaching and solid Technical and Working With Youngsters attributes to any backroom team. His mental profile is nicely rounded for a mid-30s coach, with good Determination and Motivation, very good People Management and reasonable Tactical Knowledge, making him well suited to translating complex routines into something players actually understand on the training ground. Having spent years as a head performance analyst at Swansea, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday before moving into coaching at Detroit City and then Chicago, he is exactly the sort of staff member who will mine match data, spot repeatable patterns and then turn them into well-drilled outswinging routines that target the near post with tight defensive organisation on the other end. If you want a modern, analysis-first set piece specialist rather than an old-school “whip it in and hope” merchant, Needs is a very sensible hire.
Ricardo Rocha - Benfica
Ricardo Rocha is a perfectionist set piece coach with a serious top-level playing pedigree behind him, bringing the mentality of a former Portugal international and Premier League defender into your backroom team. At Benfica he offers very good Set Pieces coaching backed up by good Tactical coaching and a solid technical base, so he can both design and drill detailed routines rather than just draw arrows on a whiteboard. Mentally he is outstanding in Determination, with good Motivation and strong Tactical Knowledge, which means he will relentlessly refine patterns and demand high standards from your defenders and takers alike. People Management is only average, so he is better in a dressing room that already polices itself rather than one full of volatile egos, but if you want a high-authority, detail-obsessed specialist to tighten you up on dead balls at a club aiming for titles and deep European runs, Rocha is a high-end option.
READ MORE: FM26 Hidden Wonderkids You Will Not Find On Normal Shortlists
Best Fitness Coaches in FM26
Elite fitness coaches are the backbone of any high intensity FM26 tactic, keeping your players sharp through congested fixture lists and brutal training schedules. Here you will find the very best fitness specialists to boost stamina, reduce injuries and maintain peak performance from August to May.
Jaume Bartrès - Free Agent
Jaume Bartrès is a classic high-end fitness coach for FM26, offering outstanding Fitness coaching backed up by very good Determination, Authority and Motivating, which is exactly what you want if you are trying to run an intense pressing system without breaking your players in November. His CV is stacked with serious clubs - multiple spells at Espanyol, a stint at Barcelona, work in Mexico with Chivas and time in the Gulf with Al-Wahda - so he is used to dealing with big dressing rooms and high-pressure environments. Technically and tactically he is merely competent, but that is fine because you are buying him for one thing only: getting your squad in elite physical shape while still being able to work very well with youngsters coming through the academy. If you want a no-nonsense conditioning specialist who can underpin an aggressive style of play at any top-flight club, Bartrès should be near the top of your fitness coach shortlist.
Simon Bitcon - Man City
Simon Bitcon is the gold standard if you want an elite fitness coach at a superclub level, combining Outstanding Fitness coaching with very strong mental attributes and years of experience at the very top. His CV is short but ruthless - Blackburn and then straight into Man City - which tells you everything about the trust top organisations place in his methods. Determination and Motivating are both high enough to drag standards up every single day on the training ground, while his People Management and balanced personality make him ideal for dressing rooms full of egos and Champions League expectations. He is not a tactical guru or a set piece nerd, but that is not what you hire him for - you bring Bitcon in to squeeze every last drop of physical performance out of your squad, reduce late-game drop-offs and keep intensity sky-high across a long season. If you are managing a club that wants to press relentlessly, dominate transitions and still look fresh in April and May, Simon Bitcon is about as close to a plug-and-play fitness solution as you will find in FM26.
Holger Broich - Free Agent
Holger Broich is as close as you get to a plug-and-play elite fitness coach in FM26. Fresh off a decade of work at Bayern Munich after a long spell with Leverkusen, he brings Champions League-winning standards straight into your training ground. His Fitness coaching is rated Elite, backed up by outstanding Authority, very good Determination and Motivating, so when he tells your players to hit another sprint, they listen. The rest of his coaching profile is deliberately simple - average Technical and Tactical, decent work with youngsters and solid people management - which is exactly what you want from a pure physical specialist. If your save is built around high intensity, pressing and relentless match schedules, snapping up Broich on a free is a no-brainer; he will drag your conditioning levels towards Bayern standards almost on his own.
Lorenzo Buenaventura - Man City
Lorenzo Buenaventura is the godfather of Guardiola-era fitness, and FM26 reflects that with outstanding Fitness coaching, very good mental attributes across Determination, Authority and Motivating, plus excellent People Management and work with youngsters. At 62 he is not a long-term physical project coach in terms of age, but his experience at Cádiz, Barcelona, Bayern and now Man City makes him one of the safest picks in the game if you want Champions League-level conditioning standards from day one. He is perfect for elite clubs that play intense, possession-heavy football and need their players in top shape to press, recycle the ball and maintain high tempo for 90 minutes every three days, and his reputation and personality also help pull the rest of your coaching team up to his level.
Walter Gfrerer - Bayern Munich
Walter Gfrerer is an elite-level fitness coach who brings top-tier conditioning expertise to Bayern Munich as their head of sports science. His Fitness coaching is rated at Elite, backed up by very good Authority and Determination, so when he sets physical standards, players tend to follow. Judging Player Ability and Potential are both strong, meaning he can tailor physical work to the demands of your best talents rather than running generic drills. With experience at RB Salzburg, Monaco and Wolfsburg before Bayern, Gfrerer is ideal if you want Champions League-level conditioning and a highly professional voice driving your high-intensity pressing game deep into the season.
Fábio Mahseredjian - Santos
Fábio Mahseredjian is a heavyweight fitness coach with a CV that runs through Brazil’s biggest clubs and the national team, and his FM26 profile reflects that pedigree. He offers a rare blend of very good Fitness, Defending, Attacking, Tactical and Technical coaching, meaning he can shape conditioning work that actually links to your game model rather than just running laps. His mental side is rock solid too, with very good Determination and Motivation and outstanding work with youngsters, making him perfect for clubs that lean on academy talents or want to squeeze every last per cent from high potential prospects. Judging attributes are only competent and he is not a set piece specialist, but you are hiring Mahseredjian to build robust, hard running squads who can press, counter and repeat for 90 minutes twice a week. If you want an experienced, no nonsense fitness boss who knows exactly what an elite Brazilian training ground should look like, he is one of the best options in the game.
Mário Monteiro - Free Agent
Mário Monteiro is a classic elite Portuguese fitness guru - pure conditioning specialist with Fitness at an elite level and enough Tactical and Technical knowledge to integrate his work into a modern, pressing game model. His CV is stacked with top level experience at Benfica, Sporting CP, Al Hilal and Flamengo, so you are getting a coach who knows how to prepare squads for title races, deep continental runs and heavy fixture congestion. Mentally he brings Outstanding Authority and very strong Determination and Motivation, which means he will happily police standards and keep star players in line, but his work with youngsters and set pieces is more functional than spectacular. If you want a ready made, Champions League level fitness coach to underpin an intense, high tempo style at a big club, Monteiro is one of the best plug-and-play options in FM26.
Christos Papadopoulos - Pari NN
Christos Papadopoulos is the classic road-warrior fitness coach - not quite at the absolute elite level for Fitness coaching, but backed by elite Adaptability and very strong Motivating and Negotiating, which makes him brilliant at getting buy-in from mixed dressing rooms. His CV stretches from long spells at Schalke 04 and VfB Stuttgart to head of sports science roles in Romania and fitness work at Dinamo Brest, Qairat and Aris Limassol before landing at Pari NN, so he is used to bouncing between cultures and regimes without missing a beat. On the grass he brings very good Fitness and solid Tactical and Technical coaching, but he is not the man for youth development projects, as his work with youngsters is clearly a weakness. If you want a no-nonsense professional who can quickly raise conditioning standards at a senior squad, especially in a club that needs structure and discipline more than innovation, Papadopoulos is a very dependable pick.
Antonio Pintus - Real Madrid
Antonio Pintus is the godfather of old school fitness coaching, combining elite Fitness coaching with outstanding Determination and top tier Motivating that will drag even the laziest superstar through double sessions. His attributes are not flashy in the technical or tactical areas, but his Posession and Mental side are strong enough that he understands precisely how to condition players for an intense, pressing game without breaking them. Pintus has decades of experience at Juventus, Chelsea, Monaco and now Real Madrid, with a CV full of title winning seasons and Champions League nights that prove his methods work at the very highest level. He is not a developmental project or a modern sports science guru, he is a proven results merchant who will squeeze every last drop of running power out of your squad. If you want to play at maximum intensity from August to May and trust one man with your players engines, Pintus is the gold standard fitness coach in FM26.
Scott Piri - Free Agent
Scott William Piri is a veteran fitness coach option for clubs looking to import elite conditioning standards from both European and North American football. With Outstanding Fitness coaching backed up by very good Motivating and People Management, he is well equipped to rebuild dressing rooms that have gone soft, while his Balanced personality keeps him from tipping into drill-sergeant territory. Piri's CV is stacked - Everton, LA Galaxy, the Turkey national team, Galatasaray and most recently a head of sports science spell at Orange County SC - so he understands the demands of congested calendars, long-haul travel and mixed-quality squads. Technically he is only average outside his core brief, but if you want a no-nonsense fitness specialist to harden up your squad's work rate and intensity without starting a mutiny, Piri is a shrewd free-transfer pickup.
Rafel Pol - Paris SG
Rafel Pol is the modern sports science nerd every elite dressing room seems to have these days - only in FM26 you can actually poach him. Officially listed as Paris SG's assistant manager, Pol is first and foremost an Outstanding Fitness coach with the tactical brain and people skills to match. Very Good Determination, Motivating, People Management and Tactical Knowledge mean he is not just running lads up and down the pitch, but tying conditioning directly into your pressing, counter pressing and high tempo game model. His CV is pure elite football - Roma, Celta Vigo, Barcelona, the Spain national team and now Paris SG alongside Luis Enrique - so he knows what it takes to keep technical, high possession sides sharp across deep European runs and brutal fixture lists. He is not the cheapest staff target and you will probably need a heavyweight club reputation to turn his head, but if you are building a high intensity, possession heavy monster and want a young fitness specialist who also improves your tactical sessions and dressing room standards, Rafel Pol is close to the perfect hire.
Márcio Sampaio - Al-Nassr
Márcio de Jesus Sampaio is the go-to fitness coach if you want Champions League level conditioning with a clear boss in the room. With Elite Fitness coaching, very good Authority and People Management and a Professional personality, he is built to impose high standards without losing the dressing room. His career reads like a tour of demanding environments - Braga, Sporting CP, Partizan, Zamalek, Al Shabab, Al Hilal, Flamengo, Benfica and now Al Nassr alongside Jorge Jesus - so he knows exactly how to prepare players for brutal travel schedules, hostile atmospheres and title races on multiple fronts. Sampaio is only average in the tactical side of coaching, so you are bringing him in as a pure physical specialist rather than an extra strategist. If your squad needs structure, intensity and a clear voice driving fitness work every single day, Sampaio is one of the best long-term investments you can make.
Andreas Schlumberger - Free Agent
Andreas Schlumberger is a high level fitness specialist with a sports science background who is perfect for clubs that want evidence based conditioning rather than old school shouting. He brings Outstanding Fitness coaching and very good Determination, backed up by competent Authority and solid People Management, which makes him ideal for driving standards without losing the dressing room. His track record is serious stuff - 1. FC Nürnberg, Germany Under 21s, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern München, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Schalke 04 and a recent spell as Liverpool's head of sports science - so he knows how to prepare squads for deep European runs and relentless league schedules. Technically he is only average outside his physical work, but if you want a professional personality who can build robust training loads, reduce soft tissue injuries and squeeze every extra per cent out of your players over a long season, Schlumberger is one of the smartest free agent hires you can make.
Julio Tous - Barcelona
Julio Tous Fajardo is the go-to fitness coach if you want Champions League level conditioning with a sports science brain to match. His Fitness coaching is Outstanding, backed by Outstanding Adaptability and Authority plus very good Motivating, which is exactly what you want when you are cranking up the intensity on big egos in a title chasing squad. Tous has worked everywhere that matters - Barcelona, Zaragoza, Juventus, the Italy national team, Chelsea, Inter and now back at Barça - so he understands how to periodise workloads across long seasons, manage older stars and still push younger players to their physical ceiling. He is only average in the pure tactical and technical categories, but you are not hiring him to design your 4-3-3, you are hiring him to make sure your press lasts 90 minutes in April. If you want a model professional who brings elite high performance habits into the training ground every single day, Julio Tous is a premium fitness coach choice for any ambitious club.
READ MORE: Top Youth Academies To Pair With An Elite Coaching Team In FM26
Final Thoughts
Most players obsess over wonderkids and tactics, but in FM26 your coaching team is what quietly decides whether all that potential actually turns into stars or frustrated squad players. Surrounding your squad with top fitness, goalkeeping, set piece and general coaches is basically a legal cheat code for long term development.
You do not need to sign every big name on this list to feel the difference. Even adding one elite fitness coach, a specialist goalkeeping coach and a set piece nerd will massively raise your training intensity, player progression and match sharpness. Build a structure that fits your club size and budget, keep staff attributes and personalities in mind, and you will very quickly feel that your save is running on a higher level. Once you experience what an elite backroom team does for your club, you will never go back to “grey staff” again.
If you are building a long term save, combine these elite coaches with a top-tier Director of Football and one of the best Assistant Managers in FM26 to create a monster of a club structure.
