216 Bundesliga players anonymously vote for best manager in Europe as surprise name beats Luis Enrique

A total of 216 players from the German first division, the Bundesliga, were asked to pick out the best manager in Europe.

German news outlet KICKER holds an annual survey which allows a group of Bundesliga players to share their opinions on several major talking points.

For example, Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha was voted as the biggest disappointment in the Bundesliga, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz selected as the most impressive outfield player.

Overall, Lamine Yamal was voted as the best attacking player in Europe.

Away from players, the 216 players involved in the survey also voted for the best manager in Europe.

The likes of Luis Enrique, Xabi Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Mikel Arteta, Carlo Ancelotti and Simone Inzaghi all received votes, but the winner was Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, who got 31.9%.

Despite winning the Champions League with Paris Saint Germain, Enrique came second with 16.7%.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen's Alonso (11.6%), Manchester City boss Guardiola (9.3%) and Liverpool head coach Slot (8.8%) rounded off the top five.

Flick enjoyed a stellar season in charge of Barcelona, having won the treble after lifting the Supercopa de Espana, Copa del Rey and the La Liga title.

Reacting to Enrique winning the Champions League, Guardiola said: "Those of us who are his (Enrique’s) friends are very happy, because he deserves it and he’s fantastic.

“When we played in the Champions League and lost 4-2, it gave me a feeling of power in every aspect. They (PSG) eliminated Liverpool and Arsenal, both of whom I know. They performed very well in the final. We are very happy for him (Enrique) and his family.”

Best managers in the world, as voted by 216 Bundesliga players [@kicker] pic.twitter.com/0H9Tfu0dHI

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) June 1, 2025

The City boss then also spoke about his former side Barcelona, he added: "It’s been an extraordinary year, with almost perfect results. Effective, with three goals per game on average, they’ve done very well, and we hope it continues for many years.

"He (Yamal) is in the best place in the world to grow. (Hansi) Flick has given Barcelona the nuances and we’ll see in 15 years. Everything points to a very good career given the amount of talent he has.

"Let’s let him (Yamal) have his career; in 10 or 15 years we’ll see if he can be compared to the greatest (Lionel Messi)."