The 25 greatest Premier League managers of all time, ranked
The Premier League has witnessed some of football's most iconic and influential managers since its inception in 1992. From serial winners to tactical innovators, these 25 managers have left an indelible mark on English football through silverware, longevity, and unforgettable moments. Here's our countdown, starting from number 25 and building up to the undisputed number one.
25. Eddie Howe – Bournemouth, Newcastle United
Eddie Howe may not have a trophy cabinet to shout about, but his impact on English football is undeniable. He took Bournemouth from the depths of League Two to the Premier League and turned Newcastle into Champions League contenders on a modest timeline.
24. Arne Slot – Liverpool
Arne Slot made an immediate splash in England, winning the Premier League with Liverpool in his debut season. Though he inherited a strong squad from Jurgen Klopp, Slot's tactical clarity and composed leadership were key to his early success.
23. Roy Hodgson – Multiple clubs
Roy Hodgson’s storied career across clubs like Fulham, Crystal Palace, and West Brom earned him respect for his tactical organisation and experience. His highlight came with Fulham’s Europa League final run, while his 200-match tenure at Palace reflects his longevity.
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22. Martin O’Neill – Leicester City, Aston Villa
Martin O'Neill's best Premier League spells came at Leicester and Aston Villa, where he led competitive sides on limited budgets. He nurtured players like Gareth Barry and consistently punched above expectations with entertaining football.
21. Brendan Rodgers – Liverpool, Leicester City
Brendan Rodgers came agonisingly close to delivering Liverpool their first Premier League title in 2014 and later won silverware at Leicester with an FA Cup triumph. His sides often played stylish, progressive football that left a lasting impression.
20. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
Still in the early stages of his career, Mikel Arteta has already reshaped Arsenal with a clear identity and smart recruitment. His 2020 FA Cup win marked a strong start, and he’s continued to develop young talent and push for the title.
19. Gérard Houllier – Liverpool, Aston Villa
Gérard Houllier led Liverpool to a memorable cup treble in 2000–01, including the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup. His tenure helped stabilise the Reds during a pivotal period and earned him UEFA Team of the Year recognition.
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18. Sam Allardyce – Multiple clubs
Often pigeonholed as a long-ball manager, Sam Allardyce was actually a data-driven pioneer in English football. He led clubs like Bolton and West Ham to impressive finishes and became known for his knack of keeping teams up.
17. Kevin Keegan – Newcastle United, Manchester City
Kevin Keegan brought excitement back to Newcastle, guiding them from the brink of third-tier football to Premier League title contenders. His 1995-96 campaign with the Magpies is still remembered for its thrilling highs and emotional lows.
16. Sir Bobby Robson – Newcastle United
Sir Bobby Robson brought flair and Champions League football to Newcastle during a time of great instability. His commitment to attacking football and his beloved status among Toon fans make him one of the league’s most cherished figures.
15. Mauricio Pochettino – Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Chelsea
Pochettino built an exciting Tottenham side that consistently finished in the top four and reached the 2019 Champions League final. Though trophyless in England, his tactical work and player development were exemplary.
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14. Manuel Pellegrini – Manchester City, West Ham United
Pellegrini guided Manchester City to a Premier League title in his debut season and was the first City manager to reach a Champions League semi-final. While less celebrated, his tenure helped lay the groundwork for the Guardiola era.
13. Harry Redknapp – West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth
Redknapp's managerial career spanned over 600 Premier League games, and he played a pivotal role in the development of English stars at West Ham. His FA Cup win with Portsmouth and Champions League qualification with Spurs were career highlights.
12. David Moyes – Everton, West Ham United, Manchester United
David Moyes built a legacy at Everton with consistent top-half finishes and later revived his reputation at West Ham, winning the 2023 Europa Conference League. Despite a difficult spell at Manchester United, his longevity speaks volumes.
11. Rafa Benitez – Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United
Benitez is forever etched in Liverpool folklore for winning the 2005 Champions League. He also lifted the Europa League with Chelsea and proved a capable leader at Newcastle, though his Everton spell was far less successful.
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10. Kenny Dalglish – Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, Newcastle United
Sir Kenny Dalglish secured Blackburn's historic Premier League title in 1995 and later returned to Liverpool for a League Cup win. Though most of his success predates the Premier League, his impact remains significant.
9. Antonio Conte – Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur
Conte turned Chelsea into champions in his first season, bringing discipline and tactical sharpness. Despite his fiery nature limiting his tenures, his league and FA Cup wins underline his elite coaching ability.
8. Roberto Mancini – Manchester City
Mancini delivered Manchester City's long-awaited league title in 2012 in dramatic fashion. He also won the FA Cup the year prior, kickstarting the club's modern era of dominance.
7. Claudio Ranieri – Leicester City, Chelsea
Ranieri achieved the impossible by guiding Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016. The Italian tactician orchestrated one of the greatest underdog stories in sporting history.
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6. Carlo Ancelotti – Chelsea, Everton
Ancelotti won the Premier League and FA Cup double in his debut season with Chelsea, setting goal-scoring records in the process. Though his second season ended in dismissal, his class and tactical knowledge were clear.
5. Jurgen Klopp – Liverpool
Klopp broke Liverpool’s 30-year title drought and won every major trophy available during his time. His high-octane football, charisma, and record-setting points tallies made him one of the league’s most transformative figures.
4. Jose Mourinho – Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham
‘The Special One’ introduced an unmatched winning mentality, delivering three Premier League titles across two Chelsea spells. His pragmatic approach won trophies at United too, but Spurs proved a misstep in his storied career.
3. Arsène Wenger – Arsenal
Wenger revolutionised English football with his Invincibles and emphasis on style and sports science. He won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups, shaping modern Arsenal and influencing a generation.
2. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
Guardiola has redefined football in England, winning six Premier League titles in eight years and achieving a historic treble in 2023. His brand of possession football and tactical evolution have set new standards in the league.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson – Manchester United
The greatest Premier League manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson won 13 league titles and 38 trophies with Manchester United. His dominance, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence defined an era of unprecedented success.
