The debate about who truly is the greatest manager in Premier League history is a tough one, and BBC Sport has weighed in with their top 10. It's not just about the shiny trophies; they've considered how long managers stayed at the top, how they changed the game, and the sheer drama behind their title wins. So, who made the cut?
Landing at number one, Pep Guardiola, a manager whose name is practically synonymous with modern tactical genius. His Manchester City side didn't just win titles; they often did it with breathtaking style and record-breaking points hauls. Over multiple spells, he's redefined what it means to dominate English football, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the pitch.
Close behind, at number two, is Jürgen Klopp. His transformational impact at Liverpool is undeniable. He took a club with a proud history but a long wait for Premier League glory and turned them into a force to be reckoned with. He finally ended a 30-year drought with an incredible 99-point season. Klopp's intensity and his ability to connect with his players and the fans created an era of success that will be remembered for generations.
Arsène Wenger slots in at number three. When he arrived in England from Japan in 1996, many were unsure about the relatively unknown Frenchman. Yet, he didn't just manage Arsenal; he revolutionised them. Wenger's reign brought three Premier League titles, including the 'Invincibles' season of 2003-04, where his team went unbeaten. He also changed how English football viewed fitness, diet, and international scouting, leaving a legacy that goes far beyond silverware.
José Mourinho, the self-proclaimed 'Special One', takes the fourth spot. He arrived at Chelsea with a Champions League trophy and an air of undeniable confidence. He immediately delivered, securing back-to-back Premier League titles in his first stint, famously conceding just 15 goals in the 2004-05 season. His return to Stamford Bridge also yielded another title in 2014-15, solidifying his status as one of the competition's most impactful managers across two spells.
At number five is Jürgen Klopp, who has already been mentioned due to his incredible success. His arrival at Liverpool in 2015 marked the beginning of a new golden age for the club. He guided the Reds to three seasons with over 90 points before their historic 2019-20 title win, which was their first Premier League crown and ended a 30-year wait. His biggest challenge? Often, it was going head-to-head with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, a rivalry that pushed both teams to extraordinary heights.
Claudio Ranieri's miraculous achievement with Leicester City in 2015-16 earns him the sixth position. The Foxes, given odds of 5,000-1 to win the league, defied all expectations. Ranieri managed to mould a group of players into an incredibly disciplined and effective unit, creating arguably the biggest upset in Premier League history. His earlier work at Chelsea also gets a nod, but the Leicester fairy tale alone places him among the elite.
Kenny Dalglish secures the seventh spot, a legend of English football even before the Premier League era. After winning multiple titles with Liverpool, he took on Blackburn Rovers. With the backing of owner Jack Walker, Dalglish assembled a strong squad that narrowly beat Manchester United to the 1994-95 title. This win made him only the fourth manager to lift the English top flight with two different clubs.
Roberto Mancini ranks eighth. His 2011-12 title win with Manchester City was one of the most dramatic finishes ever. City looked set to miss out until two stoppage-time goals, including Sergio Agüero's iconic winner, snatched the trophy on the final day. Mancini had already delivered City's first major trophy of their new era with the 2011 FA Cup, laying the groundwork for their future dominance despite a relatively short time in England.
Mikel Arteta enters the list at number nine, fresh off his 2025-26 Premier League title win with Arsenal. He inherited a club that had been struggling to compete at the top level and has steadily rebuilt the Gunners into genuine title contenders. After several near misses, he finally led them to glory, ending an eight-year streak where either Manchester City or Liverpool dominated the title race. Arteta's journey on this list is just beginning, with much more expected.
Rounding out the top 10 is Carlo Ancelotti at number ten. He made an immediate impact, winning the Premier League title in his first season with Chelsea in 2009-10, during which the team scored an incredible 103 goals. Although his initial spell at Stamford Bridge lasted only two seasons, his overall managerial career, including domestic titles in Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, makes him a deserved inclusion.