The Europa League might be the second tier of European football, but it is much more unpredictable than the Champions League.
Europa League: Managers that have won it the most number of times
Only a few managers can say that they have been consistent in the tournament. And on that note, here are the top five managers with the most Europa League title wins.
5. Diego Simeone
Simeone is one of the best managers of the modern era, and has become synonymous with Atletico Madrid. The Argentinian has led the Rojiblancos to two separate Europa League trophies. The first came in 2011/12 and the most recent was in 2017/18.
4. Jose Mourinho
The Special One has won the Champions League as well as the Europa League on multiple occasions. He lifted the UEFA Cup, as it was called back in the day, with Porto in 2002/03. The Portuguese manager also won the title with Manchester United in 2016/17 by defeating Ajax in the finals.
3. Rafa Benitez
The current Everton boss has won the Europa League twice. The first win came with Valencia in 2003/04, and nine years later, he won the trophy again with Chelsea. Benitez has also won the Champions League with Liverpool, placing him alongside the most successful European managers.
2. Giovanni Trapattoni
Trapattoni won the trophy three times back when it was called the UEFA Cup. He won the trophy twice with Juventus, and once with their rivals, Inter Milan. He is also responsible for helping Juventus win their only Champions League trophy in 1984/85.
1. Unai Emery
When Emery guided Villarreal to their first European trophy by defeating Manchester United 12-11 on penalties, he surpassed Trapattoni as the manager with the most Europa League titles. Unai Emery has won the trophy thrice with Sevilla. His three title wins came in consecutive seasons, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16.