The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be a showcase not only of elite club football, but also of a new generation of coaches stepping into high-pressure roles.
Several managers will be in the global spotlight, looking to assert themselves at new clubs or on bigger stages. Among them, Xabi Alonso, Simone Inzaghi, Christian Chivu, Jose Riveiro, and Mohamed Amine Benhachem stand out as tacticians to watch.
Xabi Alonso has taken over at Real Madrid following an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he implemented a progressive, high-possession style with a strong press.
Known for his tactical clarity and calm demeanor, Alonso fits the Real Madrid ethos, combining modern football with a deep understanding of the club’s culture.
His major test will be managing egos and expectations in a results-driven environment.
If he maintains the balance between pragmatism and fluidity, Madrid could be serious contenders at the Club World Cup. Long-term, Alonso looks like a potential era-defining coach for Los Blancos.
Simone Inzaghi, who shockingly left Inter Milan for Al Hilal, arrives in Saudi Arabia with a strong reputation built on cup success and adaptable tactics.
He is a master of knockout competitions, proven by his Coppa Italia and Supercoppa triumphs. However, his challenge at Al Hilal lies in managing ageing stars alongside newer, high-profile foreign imports.
Inzaghi thrives in structured environments, and the Club World Cup will test whether he can impose his control and motivate a squad in transition.
His long-term future may hinge on continental dominance in the AFC Champions League, but his experience could bring short-term success.
At Inter Milan, former Romanian international Christian Chivu has been promoted from the youth set-up.
A strong tactician with a commitment to building from the back, Chivu is known for fostering discipline and promoting young talent.
However, this is his first major senior role, and the leap to managing a global powerhouse like Inter poses risks.
His team may be inconsistent early on, especially in a high-stakes environment like the Club World Cup, but if given time, Chivu’s long-term vision and familiarity with the club could be invaluable.
Jose Riveiro, now leading Al Ahly after success with Orlando Pirates, brings a detailed-oriented, pressing-based system.
His analytical approach helped him turn the Pirates into one of Africa’s most efficient sides, and now at Egypt’s most decorated club, expectations will be immense.
Riveiro’s strength lies in adaptability, but the weight of tradition and relentless demand for success at Al Ahly could be both a motivator and a burden.
A solid showing in the Club World Cup would cement his legitimacy, while long-term, he must maintain domestic dominance to survive.
Finally, Mohamed Amine Benhachem at Wydad Casablanca represents continuity and ambition.
Known for tactical discipline and player development, Benhachem is a student of Moroccan football with a modern edge.
Wydad, a consistent African powerhouse, will expect competitive performances, but squad depth may be a challenge.
His ability to foster cohesion and maximize local talent could surprise more resourced clubs at the tournament.
If he succeeds, Benhachem could become a cornerstone of Morocco’s managerial future.
