Nasaf head coach Ruziqul Berdiyev has secured a top spot in the world football ranking for the longest-serving managers at a single club. According to statistics published by the CIES Football Observatory, the Uzbek specialist even surpasses Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in this regard.
The ranking is based on 55 leagues and shows how long current head coaches have been working at their respective clubs. Ruziqul Berdiyev holds 3rd place in this list, which is a remarkable achievement not only for Nasaf but for all of Uzbekistan football.
The top spot is held by Frank Schmidt, head coach of the German club Heidenheim. He has been managing the team since September 2007 and leads with a tenure of 18.6 years. Second place is occupied by Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who has been with the Spanish club since December 2011, boasting a 14.4-year tenure.
The top three is rounded out by Nasaf head coach Ruziqul Berdiyev. According to the data, he has been working at the Qarshi club since January 2012, meaning Berdiyev has been leading the 'Dragons' for over 14 years and 3 months.
Notably, Ruziqul Berdiyev is ranked ahead of Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard has been managing the English club since July 2016 and holds 4th place with a 9.8-year tenure. These figures clearly demonstrate Berdiyev's stability at Nasaf and his long-term, reliable partnership with the club.
Working at one club for many years in football is not easy. Results, pressure, squad changes, financial constraints, and fan expectations always place a heavy burden on a coach. In this sense, Berdiyev's tenure of over 14 years at Nasaf signifies his deep integration into the club's system, the trust he has earned, and his identity as a coach with a clear vision.
In recent years, Nasaf has stood out in Uzbekistan football for its stable performance, organized system, and focus on developing young players. The Qarshi club often strives for results through clear planning, discipline, and team play rather than big transfers, which is seen as a hallmark of Berdiyev's style.
The top ten also includes Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer, RAAL La Louvière coach Frédéric Taquin, Guayaquil City coach Pool Gavilanes, Cobresal head coach Gustavo Huerta, Cherno More coach Ilian Iliev, and Bodø/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen.
Ruziqul Berdiyev's third-place finish in this list is more than just statistics; it is a recognition of loyalty, stability, and long-term hard work. In today's football, where coaches are replaced frequently, working at one club for over 14 years is a sign of true professionalism.
In short, the Nasaf coach has entered the ranks of the most stable managers in world football. The fact that the Uzbek specialist is ranked higher than Guardiola is pleasant and proud news for our football. The takeaway is simple: sometimes it is not big names, but long-term hard work that speaks for itself in world rankings.
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