It was back in 1992 that the EPL was launched and, since then, we have witnessed some of the best footballing talent in the world. Of course, it’s often the players that steal the show as they’re the ones on display but, behind the scenes, the clubs are made by the managers.
The EPL has had more than its fair share of top managers. These are the people who bring tactical innovations and have the power to transform a club. Among those who have seen success, there are a handful who can be seen as true legends. Let’s take a look at these now.
Sir Alex Ferguson
When considering legendary EPL managers, the only place we could start is with Sir Alex Ferguson. Unbelievably, he led Manchester United for 26 years and helped to turn them into the dominant club in English football. During the times that Ferguson reigned, United won an astonishing 13 Premier League titles. This has made them the most successful club in the league’s history.
While there were plenty of trophies under Ferguson, he was about more than this. He shone when it came to his ability to rebuild teams. He took youthful players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham and managed to blend these with his experienced squad. Known as a strict figure, his style of leadership kept United a competitive force for more than 2 decades.
Ferguson also excelled when it came to psychological warfare. He was known for using mind games in an attempt to unsettle his rivals. In fact, his rivalry with Arsene Wenger was legendary itself and this led to some of the most exciting football that the Premier League has ever seen.
Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal in 1996. At the time, the Frenchman was a relative unknown, and no one really knew what to expect. However, in a short space of time, he transformed Arsenal and, to some degree, the EPL itself. It was his focus on nutrition and innovative tactics that went some way to modernising football in England.
Wenger’s best achievement came in the 2003/2004 season. This was when Arsenal remained unbeaten for an amazing 49 games. Some 20 years later, this is an achievement that still hasn’t been matched. The team were labelled “The Invincibles” as they followed Wenger’s attacking style of football.
Like Ferguson, Wenger also had the ability to spot talent. He discovered and nurtured players such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Cesc Fabregas. His approach to scouting and youth development was a complete change from how the club had previously worked and he was able to bring in more and more talent to an already strong squad.
Wenger’s final years at Arsenal were not his finest. With financial constraints it became difficult for the team to be a real contender in the league. Despite this, his achievements still mean that he goes down as one of the best managers the premier league has ever seen.
Jose Mourinho
Calling himself ‘The Special One’ , Mourinho arrived on the Premier League scene in 2004 as he took charge at Chelsea. His chosen nickname may have displayed an air of arrogance, but it wasn’t long before this confidence was backed up with results. He led Chelsea to consecutive titles in 2005 and 2006, and the team soon became known for its defensive solidarity.
There were plenty of pundits keen to criticise Mourinho’s style, but the reality was that he had the ability to win big games that other managers just couldn’t match. It’s also fair to say that he brought a new edge to the Premier League. While Ferguson had engaged in psychological warfare, Mourinho took this to a new level. No one had ever seen rivalries that were so intense.
Mourinho is best known for instilling a winning mentality in his team. Players like Lampard and Terry thrived under his leadership style and they became some of the most important contributors to Chelsea’s success.
Mourinho was also known for bringing a touch of drama to the EPL. Press conferences and bust ups meant that there was never a dull moment.
Pep Guardiola
Guardiola joined Man City back in 2016 and he has completely revolutionised the club. He was known for his possession style approach, and he had used this to great effect at Barcelona. He brought tactical innovations to City and made them a real force to be reckoned with. The likes of using fullbacks in midfield roles have seen the club’s style change beyond recognition.
Anyone looking to place a sport bet on the EPL could’ve done well in the 2017-2018 season. If they’d wagered on a record-breaking season, Man City delivered by securing the most points ever in a single season, bagging 100. This was a team that was scoring at an unprecedented rate. He also brought in key players such as De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling showing his ability to spot, and nurture, talent.
Guardiola’s skills and planning go beyond what his team delivers on the pitch. He also takes the time to analyse opponents in detail. The 2024/2025 season is not going to plan right now, but Guardiola has already delivered enough to be regarded as one of the best managers ever seen in the EPL.
Jurgen Klopp
Klopp took control of Liverpool in 2015, and his influence took Liverpool back to its glory days. Looking at Klopp generally, any team that he manages is known for its high pressing and energy. His style also makes him hugely popular with fans.
The biggest achievement of Klopp was guiding Liverpool to its first Premier League title. This ended a 30 year wait. While the title was the ultimate goal, along the way the club impressed with the number of points and long winning streaks.
Beyond the trophies, Klopp also created a team culture at Liverpool. He has a unique ability to truly connect with his team. The likes of Salah, Mane, and Van Dijk flourished under Klopp and he helped them to become some of the brightest stars in football.
With Klopp, his passion for the game was always evident. His celebrations and candid interviews were always a joy and it’s little wonder that he was loved by the players and fans alike.
Other Notable Names
There are also other managers who have made significant contributions to the EPL. One that can’t be ignored is Claudio Ranieri. He showed that it was possible to be the underdog and still win the league by taking Leicester City to glory in 2015/2016. The likes of Rafael Benitez and Mauricio Pochettino have also left their mark.
Final Thoughts
The greatest managers in the EPL have all brought unique contributions. While Ferguson shines with consistency, Wenger is best remembered for innovations, and Mourinho for tenacity. The achievements of these managers have not just led to trophies and titles. Instead, they have changed the face of English football. They have led to a style of play that allows English clubs to be a serious threat in European competitions and the EPL is now widely regarded as the best football league in the world. We now have to wait and see how current and future managers will leave their mark.
