Editor’s Note: The following was in collaboration with Velkomin Digital Trading.
Five Best Premier League Managers Ever
Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has become the most watched football league in the world. Weekly drama, the finest players around, passionate fans and atmospheric stadiums have made English football an example to its counterparts on the continent. However, the Premier League would be nothing without the managers who have graced it with their presence.
But how do you judge the success of a manager? Whilst some critics turn to the win ratio percentage to definitively rank them, the measure of a good manager comes down to more than just winning. It’s about the way they win, the foundations they lay for the future and the memories they leave with their audience. From the innovative methods of Arsene Wenger to Sir Alex Ferguson’s relentless success, here’s a look back at some of the Premier League’s finest gaffers.
1. Arsene Wenger
When ticking the boxes which indicate managerial success, including league titles, the foundation of a long-term philosophy and a legacy of financial stability, Arsene Wenger is one manager who can say he has done all three. Despite not having won the Premier League since 2004 and the famous season of his ‘Invincibles’, Wenger has established Arsenal in their new stadium and is building a team capable of challenging for top honours once again. Never having finished outside the top four and with three Premier League titles to his name, Wenger has the pedigree to match anyone in the world of football.
2. Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has become symbolic with Chelsea Football Club, having guided them to three titles during his two spells at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese manager has enjoyed success wherever he has worked, but his passion for Premier League football means he will always have a place in our country’s sporting scene. His team made a very lacklustre attempt at defending the title they so impressively won last season and, much to the great sadness of every Chelsea fan, he was relieved of his duties for a second time.
Although he may be no longer be in a job at the club he loves, his undoubted quality, irrepressible personality and status as a Premier League legend is still well and truly in-tact. One thing you can say for sure, his career in English football is definitely unfinished.
3. Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti has got to be one of the most underrated, unlucky managers in football. A year after guiding Chelsea to a Premier League and FA Cup double, the Italian was sacked by ruthless owner Roman Abramovic, for failing to meet expectations, despite a respectable second place finish. The same happened to Ancelotti at Real Madrid as, a year after winning La Decima, the Spanish club decided to let go of a manager who had all the right skills for the job. He’s currently out of a job, so a Premier League return could soon see him enjoying more success in English football.
4. Roberto Mancini
Pragmatic Italian Roberto Mancini led Manchester City to their first league title in 44 years in 2012, in the most dramatic of circumstances. His City side managed to overturn a five-point gap between themselves and neighbours Manchester United in the last few weeks of the season, which culminated in a spectacular finish at the Etihad on the final day. In unbelievable scenes, City came from a goal down against QPR to score twice in the final two minutes, with Sergio Aguero winning the title with seconds to spare. Although Mancini left the Manchester City with an impressive win ratio of 62%, football is about more than that. It’s about memorable moments, and Mancini deserves a seat at the top table for this one match alone.
5. Alex Ferguson
Without doubt the greatest manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement has understandably coincided with his Manchester United side going off the rails. In his 26 years at Old Trafford he won 13 Premier Leagues alongside a catalogue of other domestic and European titles, and is recognised as one of the true icons of the modern game. His fierce will to win, endless belief in youth and attacking philosophy have ensured that his name will never be forgotten. Sir Alex is not only the best manager the Premier League has ever had, but maybe the greatest manager in the history of the game.
