The Best Soccer Coaching Decisions of 2014

When teams win tournaments and clubs win championships, it’s usually the star players that earn the headlines. But sometimes it’s the man stalking the touchline, studying the tape and coaching his team to victory that deserves the credit. And so below, to recognize the innovative approaches and praise the occasional craziness of these individuals, we give the 10 Best Soccer Coaching Decisions of 2014.

10. Mike Petke Rearranges His Pieces

9. Miguel Herrera Shops Local

8. Carlo Ancelotti’s Attacking Subs Win La Decima

7. Pep Guardiola Picks His Moment to Pounce

6. Jorge Luis Pinto’s Brilliant Back Five

5. Brendan Rodgers Shows No Mercy

4. Joachim Löw Spots Brazil’s Weakness

3. Diego Simeone Proves His System is the Star

2. Antonio Conte Rope-a-Dopes Roma

1. Louis van Gaal Switches His Keepers