Sport Nation 2As we near the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, the Premier League has evolved into one of the world’s most competitive and financially dominant football leagues. Its rise has attracted top talent in both players and managers. The league’s success has been fueled by massive television rights deals, foreign investment, and the influx of some of the most tactically astute managers in football. From José Mourinho’s bold proclamation of being “The Special One” to Pep Guardiola’s tactical revolution, the Premier League has been home to several iconic managers who have shaped the modern game.
Here, we rank the 25 best Premier League managers of the 21st century so far, based on their achievements, tactical innovations, and overall influence on the league.
### 25. **Sean Dyche**
Known for his ability to work wonders on a limited budget, Sean Dyche made his mark with Burnley, managing to keep the club in the Premier League for six consecutive seasons. Dyche’s greatest achievement came in 2017-18 when Burnley finished seventh and qualified for European competition. His reputation for getting results in difficult situations has now extended to Everton, where he continues to fight against relegation amidst financial constraints.
### 24. **Steve Bruce**
Steve Bruce’s managerial career in the Premier League spans across multiple clubs, including Birmingham City, Sunderland, Hull City, and Newcastle United. While Bruce has never won a major trophy in the top flight, his longevity and ability to manage through difficult circumstances are notable. With nearly 500 Premier League games under his belt, Bruce’s commitment to the game has earned him a place on this list.
### 23. **Martin O’Neill**
Martin O’Neill made a significant impact at Aston Villa, turning them into consistent top-six challengers during his tenure. His side’s attractive football saw them qualify for European competition multiple times. O’Neill’s ability to get the best out of players like Gareth Barry and Gabriel Agbonlahor was a testament to his tactical acumen.
### 22. **Eddie Howe**
Eddie Howe is one of the Premier League’s most promising managers. He first gained recognition at Bournemouth, keeping them in the top flight for five years on a modest budget. After moving to Newcastle, Howe led the club to a Champions League spot within two seasons, transforming them into a top-six contender under their new ownership.
### 21. **Sam Allardyce**
Sam Allardyce may not be known for stylish football, but he is regarded as one of the most reliable managers when it comes to avoiding relegation. His stints at Blackburn, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace, where he successfully kept struggling teams afloat, solidified his reputation. His highest achievement came at Bolton Wanderers, where he guided them to a UEFA Cup spot in 2005.
### 20. **Unai Emery**
After an underwhelming tenure at Arsenal, Unai Emery returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa in 2022 and immediately demonstrated his tactical prowess. Emery turned Villa from relegation battlers into Champions League qualifiers within two seasons, making them a force to reckon with in English football.
### 19. **Sir Bobby Robson**
Sir Bobby Robson’s influence at Newcastle in the early 2000s cannot be understated. Taking over a struggling side, Robson guided the Magpies to consecutive Champions League qualifications and a third-place finish in 2002-03. His leadership helped revitalize the club and cemented his status as one of the most beloved managers in the league’s history.
### 18. **Brendan Rodgers**
Brendan Rodgers came agonizingly close to winning the Premier League with Liverpool in 2013-14. His attacking philosophy and ability to develop players like Luis Suárez and Philippe Coutinho made his Liverpool side one of the most exciting teams in recent memory. Rodgers later enjoyed success at Leicester City, where he won the FA Cup and twice secured fifth-place finishes.
### 17. **Harry Redknapp**
Harry Redknapp’s greatest Premier League achievements came at Portsmouth and Tottenham. After saving Portsmouth from relegation, Redknapp guided them to FA Cup glory in 2008. At Tottenham, he led the club to their first-ever Champions League qualification, reaching the quarter-finals in 2011.
### 16. **Roy Hodgson**
Roy Hodgson’s managerial career in the Premier League saw him achieve notable success at Fulham, West Brom, and Crystal Palace. His crowning achievement came in 2010 when he guided Fulham to the Europa League final. Hodgson’s longevity and experience make him one of the most respected managers in the league.
### 15. **Gerard Houllier**
Gerard Houllier’s influence on Liverpool in the early 2000s was profound. He guided the club to their highest-ever Premier League finish at the time (second in 2001-02) and laid the foundation for future success. Houllier’s eye for talent saw the emergence of players like Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen, who would become key figures for Liverpool in the years to come.
### 14. **David Moyes**
David Moyes built his reputation at Everton, where he consistently overachieved with limited resources. His fourth-place finish in 2004-05 remains one of the club’s highest league finishes in the Premier League era. Despite struggles at Manchester United, Moyes has revitalized his career at West Ham, leading them to European success by winning the UEFA Conference League in 2023.
### 13. **Mikel Arteta**
Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into genuine title contenders for the first time in years. His tactical innovation, leadership, and ability to nurture young talent have made Arsenal a force in the Premier League. With his side playing high-intensity football, Arteta is poised to challenge Manchester City’s dominance in the coming years.
### 12. **Mauricio Pochettino**
Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at Tottenham saw him guide the club to consistent top-four finishes and a memorable run to the Champions League final in 2019. Despite not winning a major trophy, Pochettino’s work in developing young talent and implementing an attractive style of play has left a lasting impact on Spurs.
### 11. **Rafael Benitez**
Rafael Benitez’s tenure at Liverpool is best remembered for the 2005 Champions League triumph, but his influence extended to the Premier League, where Liverpool were consistent top-four finishers under his guidance. Benitez also enjoyed spells at Chelsea and Newcastle, further solidifying his credentials as one of the league’s top managers.
### 10. **Claudio Ranieri**
Claudio Ranieri’s fairy tale triumph with Leicester City in 2016 remains one of the greatest achievements in football history. Guiding the Foxes to an unlikely Premier League title, Ranieri’s side shocked the world, finishing ten points ahead of Arsenal. Although his subsequent Premier League ventures were less successful, that miracle season guarantees his place in Premier League folklore.
### 9. **Manuel Pellegrini**
Manuel Pellegrini led Manchester City to their second Premier League title in 2014, with his side playing some of the most attractive football in the league’s history. Pellegrini’s team scored over 100 goals that season and set several records. His ability to manage a squad full of stars cemented his reputation as a top-tier manager.
### 8. **Antonio Conte**
Antonio Conte revolutionized the Premier League with his back-three system, leading Chelsea to the title in 2016-17. His tactical flexibility and attention to detail saw Chelsea break the record for most wins in a single season. Conte later managed Tottenham, guiding them to Champions League qualification.
### 7. **Roberto Mancini**
Roberto Mancini will always be remembered for Manchester City’s dramatic title win in 2012, when Sergio Agüero’s last-minute goal clinched the league. Mancini’s leadership laid the foundation for City’s dominance in the years to come.
### 6. **Carlo Ancelotti**
Carlo Ancelotti guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2009-10, setting a record for most goals scored in a season. Ancelotti’s calm demeanor and tactical intelligence made Chelsea one of the most formidable teams in the league during his tenure.
### 5. **Jürgen Klopp**
Jürgen Klopp transformed Liverpool into a global powerhouse. His high-pressing style of play led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years in 2019-20. Klopp also won numerous cup competitions and made Liverpool consistent challengers at the highest level.
### 4. **José Mourinho**
José Mourinho’s arrival at Chelsea changed the Premier League forever. His charismatic leadership and tactical brilliance led Chelsea to back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006. Mourinho’s ability to build winning teams made him one of the most successful managers in Premier League history.
…Mourinho’s second stint at Chelsea brought him another league title in the 2014-15 season, proving his ability to return to his best. He also managed Manchester United, where he secured a Europa League trophy in 2017, and Tottenham Hotspur, where he narrowly missed out on silverware. His time at Spurs ended without a major trophy, but Mourinho’s status as one of the most influential and successful Premier League managers remains intact.
**3. Arsène Wenger**
Arsène Wenger is synonymous with Arsenal and Premier League history. Appointed in 1996, the Frenchman revolutionized English football with his tactical insights, dietary innovations, and scouting of international talent. Wenger guided Arsenal to three Premier League titles, with the 2003-04 “Invincibles” season standing as one of the greatest achievements in the league’s history. Wenger’s team went the entire season unbeaten, a feat that has yet to be matched.
Wenger’s influence went beyond trophies; he helped modernize the Premier League and transformed Arsenal into a global brand. Despite his later years being overshadowed by Arsenal’s failure to challenge for the title, his contributions to the sport are undeniable. His 22-year reign at Arsenal culminated in a record seven FA Cup wins and a place in the Premier League Hall of Fame.
**2. Pep Guardiola**
Pep Guardiola’s arrival in the Premier League in 2016 signaled a new era for Manchester City and English football. The Spaniard brought with him a brand of football defined by possession, pressing, and relentless attacking. Under Guardiola’s guidance, Manchester City quickly became the dominant force in the Premier League, securing five titles between 2017 and 2024.
Guardiola’s 2017-18 City team became the first in Premier League history to reach 100 points in a season, breaking numerous records along the way. Known for his meticulous planning, innovative tactics, and ability to improve players, Guardiola has not only built winning teams but also revolutionized how football is played in the Premier League. His rivalry with Liverpool and Klopp has defined the modern Premier League era, pushing the level of competition to new heights.
**1. Sir Alex Ferguson**
At the top of the list is Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager who dominated the Premier League in its formative years. Ferguson’s reign spanned from 1986 to 2013, during which he transformed Manchester United into the most successful club in English football history. His achievements include 13 Premier League titles, making him the most successful manager in the league’s history.
Ferguson was renowned for his man-management skills, tactical adaptability, and ability to build multiple championship-winning teams over decades. From the Class of ’92, featuring stars like David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, to the later years of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, Ferguson’s ability to evolve with the game ensured his continued success. His remarkable tenure also includes two Champions League titles and countless domestic cup victories.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence extends beyond Manchester United and the Premier League; he set a standard of excellence and competitiveness that has inspired countless managers. His name will forever be associated with the dominance of Manchester United during the Premier League’s first two decades, solidifying his place as the greatest manager of the 21st century.
These managers have not only shaped the fortunes of their clubs but also left a lasting impact on the evolution of the Premier League itself. From tactical innovations to iconic rivalries, their contributions to the beautiful game have made the Premier League one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world.
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