Two of Europe’s top football leagues are currently being dominated by two experienced and talented managers – Andriy Shevchenko and Rene Jansen. The Ukrainian and Dutch coaches have been leading their respective teams to impressive results and are currently at the top of their national leagues.
Firstly, let’s take a closer look at Andriy Shevchenko and his team, Dynamo Kyiv. The former AC Milan and Chelsea striker, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in Ukrainian football history, took over as Dynamo’s head coach in 2016. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to build a strong and competitive team.
Under Shevchenko’s guidance, Dynamo Kyiv has been consistently performing well in the Ukrainian Premier League. They have won the league title three times in the last four years and are currently leading the table with a comfortable lead of 13 points. The team’s success can be attributed to Shevchenko’s tactical nous and his ability to get the best out of his players.
Shevchenko’s impact on Dynamo Kyiv can also be seen in their performances in the UEFA Champions League. Despite being in a tough group with European giants such as Barcelona and Juventus, Dynamo managed to finish third and qualify for the Europa League round of 32. This is a huge achievement for a team that has struggled to make an impact in European competitions in recent years.
Shevchenko’s leadership and tactical expertise have also been praised by his players. Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Denys Harmash said, “Shevchenko has brought a winning mentality to the team. He knows how to motivate us and make us believe in ourselves. He has been a great addition to the club.”
Moving on to Rene Jansen and his team, AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch manager, who has previously coached PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse Arnhem, took over at AZ in 2019. He inherited a young and talented squad and has been successful in building a strong and competitive team.
AZ Alkmaar has been in dominant form in the Eredivisie this season, losing only two out of 22 league matches so far. They are currently at the top of the table, with a seven-point lead over second-placed Ajax. Jansen has been praised for his tactical flexibility and his ability to get the best out of his players.
One player who has greatly benefited from Jansen’s coaching is 21-year-old forward Myron Boadu. The young Dutchman has been in excellent form this season, scoring 13 goals in 21 league appearances. He also scored five goals in the Europa League group stage, helping AZ qualify for the knockout rounds.
Jansen’s leadership and tactical acumen have also been noticed by his colleagues in the Eredivisie. FC Utrecht manager John van den Brom said, “Jansen has done a fantastic job at AZ. He has built a strong team and his tactical knowledge is impressive. They are definitely the team to beat this season.”
It is not just their success in their national leagues that has made Shevchenko and Jansen stand out. Both managers have also made an impact on the international stage. Shevchenko led Ukraine to the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Championship in 2020, while Jansen helped the Netherlands qualify for the same tournament.
In conclusion, Andriy Shevchenko and Rene Jansen are proving to be two of the most talented and successful managers in European football at the moment. They have been able to build strong and competitive teams that are dominating their national leagues. Their tactical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to get the best out of their players have been key to their teams’ success. It will be interesting to see how far they can lead their teams in their respective league campaigns and if they can make a mark in European competitions.
