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Top 10 Premier League Managers of All Time

Since the Premier League began in 1992, thirteen managers have lifted its coveted trophy. But who stands out as the very best? Let's explore the top ten managers who shaped the league's history.

The Role of Longevity and Wins

Longevity often influences greatness. David Moyes, with 755 Premier League games, trails only Arsene Wenger (828) and Sir Alex Ferguson (810). Moyes holds the third-highest win count with 291 victories across several clubs but remains far behind Wenger’s 476 and Ferguson’s 528. Pep Guardiola matches Moyes in wins despite managing fewer matches. Harry Redknapp ranks fourth for games (641), fifth for wins (236), and fifth for goals scored (818).

Win percentage is another lens. Mauricio Pochettino, guiding Southampton, Spurs, and Chelsea, boasts over a 50% win rate without ever claiming the title—unique among managers with 100+ games.

Still, to be on this list, winning the Premier League title is a must, which excludes three managers including Liverpool’s Arne Slot, Manuel Pellegrini, and Antonio Conte, despite their contributions.

10. Carlo Ancelotti (2009-10)

Carlo Ancelotti claimed the title at Chelsea in his debut Premier League season but was dismissed early into his second year. Known for success across Europe's top leagues and five Champions League trophies, his Premier League tenure was brief but impactful. Later, he managed Everton before heading back to Real Madrid.

9. Mikel Arteta (2025-26)

Mikel Arteta broke Arsenal’s long wait by winning the Premier League in 2025-26, ending Manchester City and Liverpool’s eight-year dominance. Despite criticism over his team's style, Arteta’s leadership delivered a title and promises potential future ascension.

8. Roberto Mancini (2011-12)

Roberto Mancini sparked Manchester City's golden era, clinching the 2011-12 title dramatically with late goals that ended a 40-plus-year wait and denied rivals. He boasts the fourth-best points per game and fifth-best win percentage among managers with 100+ games.

7. Kenny Dalglish (1994-95)

Kenny Dalglish won three titles with Liverpool before the Premier League started and guided Blackburn Rovers to a shock title in 1995, becoming one of few to win England’s top flight with two clubs. His later spells included Newcastle and a return to Liverpool.

6. Claudio Ranieri (2015-16)

Claudio Ranieri engineered perhaps football’s greatest upset, leading 5000-1 outsider Leicester City to the Premier League crown. His prior success includes pushing Chelsea to second place in 2004, cementing his legacy as a manager capable of defying odds.

5. Jurgen Klopp (2019-20)

Jurgen Klopp brought high-energy football and passion to Liverpool, capturing their first league title in 30 years during 2019-20. Despite fierce competition from Manchester City, Klopp’s Reds consistently posted 90+ points seasons.

4. Jose Mourinho (2004-05, 05-06 & 14-15)

Jose Mourinho, the self-styled Special One, revolutionized Chelsea with consecutive titles in his first two seasons. His defensive mastery and swagger challenged the old guard. Returning later to claim a third title, Mourinho remains one of the game's most influential figures despite mixed spells at other clubs.

3. Arsene Wenger (1997-98, 2001-02 & 03-04)

Arsene Wenger transformed Arsenal with innovative tactics and diet regimes, highlighted by the unbeaten 'Invincibles' season in 2003-04. Though his title haul stopped after three, his legacy as a visionary endures.

2. Pep Guardiola (2017-18 to 2023-24)

Pep Guardiola changed English football profoundly with his possession-based style and tactical prowess. Winning six Premier League titles, including a record four in a row, Guardiola's teams set new standards, including a 100-point season.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson (1992-93 to 2012-13)

Sir Alex Ferguson dominated the Premier League’s first two decades, winning 13 titles with Manchester United. His ability to rebuild through eras and maintain supremacy is unmatched. Ferguson's record surpasses all others, solidifying him as the undisputed greatest Premier League manager.

Summary of Premier League Titles by Manager

  • Sir Alex Ferguson: 13 titles (1992-93, 93-94, 95-96, 96-97, 98-99, 99-00, 00-01, 02-03, 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 10-11, 12-13)
  • Pep Guardiola: 6 titles (2017-18, 18-19, 20-21, 21-22, 22-23, 23-24)
  • Jose Mourinho: 3 titles (2004-05, 05-06, 14-15)
  • Arsene Wenger: 3 titles (1997-98, 2001-02, 03-04)
  • Roberto Mancini: 1 title (2011-12)
  • Kenny Dalglish: 1 title (1994-95)
  • Claudio Ranieri: 1 title (2015-16)
  • Carlo Ancelotti: 1 title (2009-10)
  • Mikel Arteta: 1 title (2025-26)

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