As arguably the most competitive football league in the world,
English Premier League clubs put a ton of pressure on their managers to build and develop match winning teams and tactics. Those who struggle to deliver are often shown the door with little more than a “thank you” post on Twitter. But for those who can consistently meet the board’s requirements and bring a few wins to the club, a long career in the Premier League is possible.
These are the five longest-serving managers who are keeping it tidy in the English Premier League.
5. Pep Guardiola – Man City, 1 July 2016
Image source: foxsportsasia.com
In 2016, Guardiola joined Man City on a three-year deal and not long afterwards, he was seen as one of the best Premier League managers of all time.
Despite losing his first pre-season game against Bayern Munich, the Spaniard would go on to win seven trophies with the Citizens including two English Super Cups, two English League Cups, an FA Cup and, of course, back-to-back Premier League titles.
While a Champions League title with the Sky Blues continues to evade him, there is no doubt that Guardiola has earned his stripes in Manchester. The 2019/20 season might not be going the way he’d like it to, but if anyone has the power to turn the season around, it’s Pep.
4. Chris Wilder – Sheffield United, 12 May 2016
Image source: thenation.ae
It took just three seasons for Chris Wilder to take the Blades from mid-table in EFL League 1 to the English Premier League. Having played most of his games in his career for Sheffield United, it was a dream come true for Wilder when he was appointed as the side’s manager in 2016.
It didn’t take long for Wilder and Sheffield to make an impression in the Premier League. Despite struggling against some of the “smaller” sides like Newcastle and Southampton, the Blades managed to hold Chelsea, Tottenham and United to draws while beating Everton and the Gunners.
While silverware looks unlikely for Sheffield this season, they have already surpassed all expectations and find themselves mid-table, thanks largely to Wilder’s leadership.
3. Jurgen Klopp – Liverpool, 8 October 2015
Image source: bleacherreport.com
Following a short break after a seven-year stint at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Jurgen Klopp took charge of a Liverpool side that was desperate for a new philosophy. Having last won any “real” silverware in 2005/06 when they lifted the FA Cup, the Reds were anxiously looking to add to their trophy cabinet.
It took Klopp a while, but he eventually led the Reds to the Champions League title in 2018/19 as well as the UEFA Supercup and the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup titles.
It may be too early to say, but it appears as if the German is on course to lead the Merseyside club to their first Premier League title since the 1989/90 season.
2. Sean Dyche – Burnley, 30 October 2012
Image source: bleacherreport.com
Appointed in October 2012, Dyche had a rollercoaster start to his managerial career with the Clarets. Guiding the side to a second-place finish in the 2013/14 Championship and securing automatic promotion to the top flight, but Burnley were unable to hold their place in the Premier League.
That didn’t stop Dyche, however, and the next season he led the club to the Championship title and back into the Premier League – later taking them to seventh on the table, their highest ever finish in the Premier League.
1. Eddie Howe – Bournemouth, 14 October 2012
Image source: bleacherreport.com
Eddie Howe is the manager responsible for lifting the Cherries into the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history.
While he may not have won much silverware and is far from one of the greatest managers of all time, his dedication to the club and unique style of management appears to fit in well at Bournemouth.
At the time of writing, Bournemouth are struggling to keep their head above water in the top flight, sitting in the relegation zone one point ahead of Watford and a point behind Aston Villa. Whether he can turn the season around remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – as long as Eddie Howe is in control, the Cherries will always have a fighting chance.
We’re heading into the make-or-break part of the season as the teams settle down after Christmas and figure out where their focus lies. Liverpool find themselves sitting pretty at the top of the table with Leicester in tow and City not far behind them.
While stranger things have happened and we’ve seen the Reds blow a lead before, one thing you can always count on is getting the most competitive odds when you
bet on the Premier League with Betway. Thanks to
Win Boost and
Money Back Boost, not only can you have the confidence to back more of your favourite teams, but you also get so much more out of your Multi Bets. Visit the
soccer page and start betting today.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow
Betway Nigeria on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram and
YouTube