How does Guardiola stack up?
In today’s fast-paced Premier League, it’s more challenging than ever for managers to maintain their positions over the long haul. With intense pressure to achieve quick results, many clubs resort to changing management, hoping that the classic ‘new manager bounce’ will improve their situation. Yet, some managers defy the odds and remain in their roles for extended periods, which is a significant accomplishment. At Transfermarkt, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 longest-serving managers in Premier League history since its reformation in the 1992/93 season, including two still actively managing.
Topping the list is former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who revolutionized English football during his 21 years and eight months at the helm from 1996 to 2018. Following closely is the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson, who led Manchester United for 20 years and 11 months during the Premier League era. Had we considered his earlier tenure before 1992, he would have claimed the top spot. In third place is David Moyes, who managed Everton for 11 years and three months between 2002 and 2013. Currently back with the Toffees, it remains to be seen if he will replicate that level of longevity this time around.
Pep Guardiola holds the fourth position, having been at Manchester City for nine years and three months since 2016. He recently marked his 250th Premier League victory and has secured six league titles. With his current contract lasting until 2027, there’s potential for him to advance to third place if he extends his tenure. Fifth place belongs to ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who was in charge at Anfield for eight years and eight months from 2015 to 2024. Coming in sixth is Joe Kinnear, who managed Wimbledon FC for six years and 11 months from 1992 to 1999, followed by Harry Redknapp in seventh, who oversaw West Ham for six years and nine months between 1994 and 2001.
Eighth place is occupied by Rafael Benítez, who led Liverpool for five years and 11 months from 2004 to 2010, while Alan Curbishley ranks ninth with a five-year and 11-month tenure at Charlton during the 2000s. Rounding out the top ten is current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has already been with the North London club for five years and nine months and is likely to rise to eighth place by the end of the season. Notably, Guardiola and Arteta are the only two active managers in this top 20 list.
