We applied social networks analysis to objectively discriminate and describe interpersonal interaction dynamics of players across different top-coaching styles. The aim was to compare metrics in the passing networks of Jürgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, and Mauricio Pochettino across the UEFA Champions League seasons from 2017 to 2020. Data on completed passes from 92 games were gathered and average passing networks metrics were computed. We were not only able to find the foundations on which these elite coaches build the passing dynamics in their respective teams, but also to determine important differences that represent their particular coaching signatures. The local cluster coefficient was the only metric not significantly different between coaches. Still, we found higher average shortest-path length for Guardiola's network (mean ± std = 3.00 ± 0.45 a.u.) compared to Klopp's (2.80 ± 0.52 a.u., p = 0.04) and Pochettino's (2.70 ± 0.39 a.u., p = 0.01). Density was higher for Guardiola's (64.16 ± 20.27 a.u.) than for Pochettino's team (51.42 ± 17.28 a.u., p = 0.008). The largest eigenvalue for Guardiola's team (65.95 ± 16.79 a.u.) was higher than for Klopp's (47.06 ± 17.25 a.u., p < 0.001) and Pochettino's (42,62 ± 12.01 a.u., p < 0.001). Centrality dispersion was also higher for Guardiola (0.14 ± 0.02 a.u.) when compared to Klopp (0.12 ± 0.03 a.u., p = 0.008). The local cluster coefficient seems to build the foundation for passing work, however, cohesion characteristics among players in the three teams of the top coaches seems to characterize their own footprint regarding passing dynamics. Guardiola stands out by the high number of passes and the enhanced connection of the most important players in the network. Klopp and Pochettino showed important similarities, which are associated to preferences toward more flexibility of interpersonal linkages synergies.

The present study applied social networks analysis to objectively discriminate and describe interpersonal interaction dynamics of players coached by the top-level professionals Jürgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, and Mauricio Pochettino, across the UEFA Champions League seasons from 2017 to 2020, considering different quality of opposition. Statistical analysis revealed that two of Jürgen Klopp's team passing network metrics differ according to the quality of opposition. Density (U(34) = 202; p = 0.02) and largest eigenvalue (t(32) = -3.24; p = 0.03) were lower when Liverpool played against strong opponents. Pochettino also showed lower values for density (t(26) = -2.77; p = 0.01) and largest eigenvalue when playing against strong opponents (U(28) = 148; p = 0.01), compared to when playing against weak opponents. Additionally, the average shortest-path length was significantly lower when playing against strong opponents (U(28) = 148; p = 0.01). This is novel evidence on sports teams' coordination and cooperation relationships through passing in football association, along seasons of a high-level European competition.