15 Greatest Managers in English Footbal History
Mauricio Pochettino
Though trophy-less in the EPL, Argentine Mauricio Pochettino is lauded for having transformed Tottenham Hotspur into a formidable force, while also leading the team to its first-ever UCL final in 2019. His legacy lies in his exceptional development of players like Harry Kane and Dele Alli, and achieving major success with a modest budget.
Harry Redknapp
The 14th spot on this list is occupied by Harry Redknapp, who oversaw 641 Premier League games. His major trophies include the 2008 FA Cup with Portsmouth, apart from winning the Premier League Manager of the Season award in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of developing young English talent and achieving success with multiple clubs.
Rafael Benitez
Ex-Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is ranked among the top EPL managers for his tactical acumen, despite having never won the EPL title. The Spaniard won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with the Reds in 2005, as well as the Europa League with Chelsea in 2013, before going on to manage Real Madrid and Newcastle later on.
David Moyes
Ranked third for most EPL matches managed and wins, David Moyes work at Everton and West Ham United is notable. His legacy is defined by stability and over-achievement with these clubs, culminating in a major trophy, the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League with the Hammers, as well as the 2013 Community Shield with Man Utd.
Kenny Dalglish
Celebrated as England's greatest managers of all time, Kenny Dalglish secured three First Division titles (in 1986, 1988, 1990) and one Premier League title (in 1995) with two different clubs, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers. Dalglish's legacy is defined by building title-winning teams with flair, having also won three FA Cups and two League Cups in total.
Claudio Ranieri
Italian great Claudio Ranieri is best remembered for having miraculously guided Leicester City to the 2015-16 Premier League title, his only major trophy in England. Ranieri is regarded as a great for achieving the sport's biggest-ever underdog triumph, despite also having earlier laid the foundation for success during his managerial tenure at Chelsea.
Manuel Pellegrini
Manuel Pellegrini brought success to Manchester City, winning the Premier League title during the 2013-14 season and two League Cups, in 2014 and 2016. Pellegrini also guided the club to its first-ever Champions League semi-final, with his legacy defined by an attractive brand of football and foundational success in the modern City era.
Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte is considered one of the Premier League's most impactful managers, having won the EPL title in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018 with Chelsea. Conte was well-known for his intense work rate, tactical discipline, and strong counter-attacking strategy, which culminated in his high career EPL win rate of 62.88% (83 wins in 132 matches).
Roberto Mancini
Having led Manchester City to its very first-ever Premier League title in during the 2011-12 season, Roberto Mancini also secured the FA Cup in 2011, achieving a record of 2.05 points per match average across 133 games. His tactical style was initially pragmatic and defensive, as it finally ended City's 44-year English league title drought.
Carlo Ancelotti
One of the greatest football managers of all time, Carlo Ancelotti has won league titles in four of the biggest leagues in Europe, including an EPL title in 2010 with Chelsea. The 2009-10 season was a historic one for the Blues, as it became the first Premier League team to score over 100 goals in a 38-game season, finishing with 103 goals.
Jurgen Klopp
German icon Jurgen Klopp cemented his legacy in England by ending Liverpool's 30-year drought to win the Premier League during the 2019-20 season, alongside the FA Cup in 2022 and League Cup in 2022 and 2024. His defining style of 'Gegenpressing' left behind a legacy, while transforming Liverpool back into an elite, trophy-winning machine.
Jose Mourinho
Dubbed 'The Special One,' Jose Mourinho is one of the EPL's greatest managers, having secured three Premier League titles, in 2005, 2006 and 2015. His style is defined by tactical pragmatism, defensive solidity, as he introduced a new brand of confrontational and instantly successful management that ended the established order.
Arsene Wenger
Third on this elite list, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger holds the record for most games managed in the Premier League, having served as the Gunners' head coach from 1996 to 2018. Wenger guided the North London club to the EPL title during the 2003-04 season, in which the team went unbeaten and was nicknamed 'The Invincibles'.
Pep Guardiola
Spaniard Pep Guardiola is considered the greatest EPL manager for winning six EPL titles, including a record four in a row and multiple domestic cups with Manchester City. His influential possession-based, high-pressing style revolutionized English football, highlighted by his record of being the fastest manager to reach 250 Premier League wins.
Sir Alex Ferguson
The top spot on this elite list is undoubtedly occupied by ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who won a record 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, and 4 League Cups with the club. His style emphasized attacking football, strong discipline , and a commitment to youth development, exemplified by the legendary 'Class of 92'.
