Discover the top 10 Premier League managers ranked for the 2024/25 season based on tactics, results, and impact. See who leads the league from the touchline.
Top 10 Premier League Managers Ranked for the 2024/25 Season
The 2024/25 Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most tactically thrilling campaigns in recent memory. From tactical innovators to emotional motivators, the league is filled with managerial talent competing at the highest level. As clubs push for titles, European spots, or mere survival, managers are more influential than ever.
In this article, we rank the top 10 Premier League managers this season based on tactical approach, consistency, player development, and overall results. Whether leading giants or overperforming with limited resources, these coaches are defining the trajectory of the Aw8 league in 2024/25.
⚽ 1. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
- Current Position: 1st
- Tactical Identity: Positional play, controlled chaos
- Key Strength: Squad rotation and adaptability
Pep continues to set the standard. With multiple titles in recent years, Guardiola’s City remain the gold standard in the league. Despite high expectations, he has refreshed his tactics once again, integrating young players like Oscar Bobb while managing superstars like Haaland and De Bruyne.
His ability to adapt within games, introduce tactical tweaks, and consistently win across multiple competitions makes him the best in the business.
🔴 2. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
- Current Position: 2nd
- Tactical Identity: High press, vertical passing, fluid buildup
- Key Strength: Youth development and squad cohesion
Arteta’s Arsenal are not just title challengers—they’re a blueprint for modern project-building. With signings like Tapsoba and the continued rise of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal are playing aggressive, intelligent football.
Arteta’s influence is seen in every phase of play. After pushing City last season, the Gunners now look like genuine contenders to lead the league.
🔴 3. Jürgen Klopp – Liverpool
- Current Position: 3rd
- Tactical Identity: Gegenpressing, direct play, emotional intensity
- Key Strength: Motivation and adaptability
Klopp has reinvented Liverpool once again. The midfield has been overhauled, and the shocking addition of Kylian Mbappé has transformed the attack. His “Liverpool 3.0” project is in full swing and the Reds are once again feared across the league.
Few managers can combine emotion, intensity, and tactical precision like Klopp does. Liverpool’s resurgence is a credit to his leadership.
⚫ 4. Roberto De Zerbi – Brighton
- Current Position: 6th
- Tactical Identity: Risky buildup, vertical passing, pressing traps
- Key Strength: Tactical bravery and maximizing talent
De Zerbi has turned Brighton into a European contender on a fraction of the budget. His risky, possession-based style is unlike any other in the league, and Brighton regularly outplay traditional big clubs.
He’s helped elevate the likes of Mitoma and Enciso while maintaining European competitiveness. If Brighton crack the top six again, De Zerbi’s stock will rise further.
🔵 5. Mauricio Pochettino – Chelsea
- Current Position: 5th
- Tactical Identity: Balanced possession, structured pressing
- Key Strength: Handling youth and big egos
After a chaotic previous season, Chelsea now look coherent. With the arrivals of Victor Osimhen and Conor Gallagher’s maturity, the Blues have real attacking bite. Pochettino’s man-management has stabilized a dressing room once in disarray.
His ability to balance a young squad and compete in the league again proves his managerial quality.
⚫ 6. Erik ten Hag – Manchester United
- Current Position: 4th
- Tactical Identity: Possession-first, disciplined structure
- Key Strength: Defensive stability and midfield control
Despite injuries and off-field distractions, Erik ten Hag has kept Manchester United in the top four conversation. The addition of João Neves has added calmness to midfield while Rasmus Højlund continues to grow.
Ten Hag may not play the most exciting football, but his pragmatism is keeping United competitive in the league.
🟣 7. Unai Emery – Aston Villa
- Current Position: 7th
- Tactical Identity: Compact 4-4-2, counter-attacks, verticality
- Key Strength: Tactical discipline and European know-how
Villa are no longer just a mid-table club. Emery has transformed them into a well-drilled, dangerous side capable of upsetting anyone. With players like Watkins, Diaby, and Tielemans thriving, they’ve become true dark horses in the league.
His European experience is also paying dividends domestically.
⚫ 8. Andoni Iraola – Bournemouth
- Current Position: 10th
- Tactical Identity: High-pressing, direct transitions
- Key Strength: Boldness and tactical consistency
Few expected Bournemouth to be mid-table with style, yet Iraola’s high-pressing tactics have worked wonders. He’s turned Bournemouth into a fearless side that presses hard and scores freely.
While they lack the resources of the top clubs, they’re one of the most entertaining teams in the league.
⚫ 9. Thomas Frank – Brentford
- Current Position: 11th
- Tactical Identity: Compact, direct play, aerial strength
- Key Strength: Flexibility and underdog mentality
Frank continues to punch above his weight. Brentford remain solid even without Ivan Toney (who transferred to Tottenham), thanks to strong defensive organization and set-piece mastery.
He’s proven time and again that smart planning and consistent structure can outperform big budgets in the league.
🔵 10. Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur
- Current Position: 8th
- Tactical Identity: Attacking freedom, build-from-the-back
- Key Strength: Changing culture and attacking spark
Postecoglou’s arrival brought a breath of fresh air to Spurs. Even without Harry Kane, Tottenham are scoring freely and playing attacking football again. Though results have been inconsistent, his long-term vision is clear.
He’s reconnected fans with the club and made Spurs fun to watch again in the league.
⚖️ Honorable Mentions
- David Moyes (West Ham): Always competitive, but slightly behind tactically.
- Vincent Kompany (Burnley): Promising, but still finding his rhythm.
- Marco Silva (Fulham): Well-organized and tactically solid.
📈 What Makes a Top Manager in Today’s League?
In the modern league landscape, top managers must balance:
- Tactics: Innovative systems that adapt to opponents.
- Man-management: Handling egos, rotation, and media.
- Development: Integrating youth and maximizing squad depth.
- Consistency: Delivering results across a long season.
The managers on this list consistently deliver across these metrics.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
The Premier League is the most tactically diverse and competitive league in the world. The brilliance of Guardiola, the energy of Klopp, the innovation of De Zerbi—each brings a unique fingerprint to the game. As the 2024/25 season unfolds, the battle on the touchline is just as thrilling as the one on the pitch.
Whether you support a title-chasing club or a team fighting for survival, managerial genius is shaping every weekend’s results.
📣 Support the League and Celebrate the Minds Behind the Game
Football isn’t just about players—it’s about the tactical architects behind the scenes. Show your love for your team’s manager, debate strategies with friends, and fuel the atmosphere that makes this league the most electrifying in the world.
Let’s support the managers, the clubs, and the football stories that define this incredible league season after season.