5 managers that have excelled this season

#2 Ernesto Valverde (FC Barcelona)

Valverde's calm demeanour has been key to Barcelona's success this season

If the Spanish Super Cup was going to be an indicator of how this season unfolded, Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde would have had their work cut out for them.

An underwhelming transfer window saw them lose Neymar and a revamp was needed. Any team that loses the goalscoring threat of a player of the Brazilian's quality would struggle, and while Barcelona hasn't been at their free-flowing best like they were under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, they have been steely and energetic.

The biggest impact Valverde has had on this side this season is the energy he has brought to his players. Every single player works their socks off for the team. With the team moving to a 4-4-2, Messi has retained his free role, cutting in from the right, dropping deep or playing up top.

Valverde has given Jordi Alba a new lease of life down the left, and his link-up plays with Messi has been extremely fruitful.

Aside from the world's greatest player being completely rejuvenated this season, Valverde has strengthened the defence. As a result, Barca has conceded just 13 goals all season long.

Now with the season reaching the business end, Valverde has Ousmane Dembele and Phillipe Coutinho to rely on for further depth, managing their transition into the team extremely pragmatically.

Were it not for Man City's stellar season, Valverde would be at the top of this list.