Top Ten List
Stories of players returning to their former clubs often lack happy endings. While the nostalgia of returning heroes may touch the hearts of fans, some moments are best left in the past. Take Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United, for example—it was marked by a high goal tally but ultimately fell short on the pitch, despite boosting commercial revenue.
There are several other instances in English Premier League history, such as Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton, Thierry Henry’s brief comeback at Arsenal, and Robbie Fowler’s second stint at Liverpool. However, the narrative shifts when it comes to managers returning to the clubs where they once played, where we find notable success stories. Pep Guardiola forged one of the greatest teams at his boyhood club, Barcelona, just as Johan Cruyff did. Carlo Ancelotti achieved significant success with AC Milan, and Zinédine Zidane clinched three Champions League titles with Real Madrid. So, who are the former players with the best managerial records in the Premier League? Let’s explore.
Managers Returning to Premier League Clubs
Using Transfermarkt’s extensive database, we analyzed individuals who have managed at least 20 games in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta leads the way with an impressive points-per-game record of 1.99. Since his appointment in 2019, Arteta has revitalized the North London club, and Arsenal is currently a strong contender for the Premier League title this season.
As illustrated in the graphic, Roberto Di Matteo follows closely behind with a points-per-game record of 1.98 at Chelsea. The Italian’s reign was notably cut short after he won the Champions League. Gianluca Vialli, another former Chelsea manager, ranks third. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sits fourth with a record of 1.88 points per game during his tenure at Manchester United. Other well-known figures in the top ten include Frank Lampard, also from Chelsea.
