The Premier League has had some of the greatest managers football has ever seen since it’s creation in 1992. From Sir Alex Ferguson to Arsene Wenger and in recent history, Pep Guardiola, the best coaches regularly end up in England’s top flight.
This season, however, there have been some significant changes in the dugout to make way for some fresh rankings. But who is the best and worst manager in the Premier League this season? Here is a ranked list of all 20 managers in the division right now.
20
Sergej Jakirovic
Sergej Jakirovic has plenty of time to prove doubters wrong but, until then, he ranks as the worst manager in the Premier League. The 49-year-old’s best experience outside of Hull City has come in charge of Dinamo Zagreb. The Premier League is a whole different ball game, however.
It was a miracle season from the Tigers last time out, as they edged into the playoffs before defeating Middlesbrough at Wembley. Now, they’ll need to beat the odds one more time to avoid instant relegation.
19
Gary O’Neil
Ipswich Town have been one of the biggest spenders this season, but their most important change has arrived in the dugout. An exhausted Kieran McKenna bowed out with promotion in the last campaign, opening the door for Gary O’Neil to arrive.
The former Bournemouth and Wolves manager certainly has Premier League experience, but there are still serious question marks over his robust style of play.
18
Matthias Jaissle
There may be three newly-promoted managers with plenty of pressure, but no one has a harder job than Matthias Jaissle in the Premier League. The Newcastle United manager is entering at a turbulent time and is tasked with replacing Eddie Howe without much experience to his name.
He comes from the school of Ralf Rangnick and those at St James’ Park can expect high intensity. Whether that’s enough to take the club forward amid clear transfer failings remains to be seen, though.
17
Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is back in the Premier League and looking to complete his toughest task yet. After clinching an emotional promotion last season, the former Chelsea manager is looking to follow in the footsteps of Le Bris and Farke by avoiding relegation at a newly-promoted club.
|
Frank Lampard’s managerial career |
|
|---|---|
|
Coventry City |
2024-present |
|
Chelsea (caretaker manager) |
2023-2023 |
|
Everton |
2022-2023 |
|
Chelsea |
2019-2021 |
|
Derby County |
2018-2019 |
Coventry City have certainly backed the former England star, but it remains to be seen whether he can keep the Sky Blues afloat just like he has done with Everton in the past.
16
Pierre Sage
Another new manager in the Premier League, Pierre Sage has quite the boots to fill at Crystal Palace. He’s taking charge of European champions and attempting to follow Oliver Glasner. Some will write the new manager off at Selhurst Park, but he’s got an impressive reputation, himself.
Sage took Lens within six points of Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last season and also won the French Cup. It was a monumental achievement sparked by his high-pressing, aggressive style.
15
Alvaro Arbeloa
If any manager needs to start quickly in their new role, it is Alvaro Arbeloa. The former Real Madrid manager is dealing with several doubters and is yet to prove himself on the biggest stage.
|
Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid record |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
28 |
|
Wins |
18 |
|
Draws |
2 |
|
Defeats |
8 |
|
Goals scored |
58 |
|
Goals conceded |
34 |
Madrid wasn’t easy and the Premier League won’t exactly be a simpler challenge. He takes charge of a side entering a transition after Marco Silva and must prove his worth after spending big on the likes of Gonzalo Garcia.
14
Keith Andrews
Keith Andrews is in the early stages of his senior managerial career after taking over from Thomas Frank at Brentford and it was an excellent first season in West London.
The Irishman beat both Liverpool and Man Utd at the Gtech Community Stadium, guiding the Bees into the top half of the Premier League and only missed out on Europe on goal difference.
13
Daniel Farke
It’s been some turnaround for Daniel Farke. He was on the verge of the sack at one stage last season, but an act of tactical genius quickly defined an excellent first season back in the Premier League for Leeds United.
Ever since switching to a back five, Farke has got the best out of his side and comfortably secured survival last time out. Now, having been backed by the 49ers, he’s looking to achieve so much more.
12
Michael Carrick
Now in his first permanent spell as manager of Man United, Carrick is a highly-rated English coach and someone who has previously guided Middlesbrough as high as the play-offs in 2022/23. While his stock fell after a tenth-placed finish in the year he was sacked he’s got a mighty fine football brain.
Now back at Old Trafford, he outclassed Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta last season, leading the Red Devils to a 2-0 derby day victory over Manchester City and a 3-2 win over Arsenal. He has completely revived what looked like a tired and sorry-looking team ahead of his first full campaign.
11
Fabian Hurzeler
The youngest ever permanent manager in Premier League history, Brighton’s move for Fabian Hurzeler has paid off so far.
The German’s possession-based style and attacking philosophy has seen the Seagulls record some impressive wins at the Amex Stadium, and he has already taken the club back into European competition.