Premier League's best managers 2024-25: Arne Slot tops, Nuno shines, Guardiola falls – ranked top 10

By: Shawn
‎For the first time in four years, the Premier League has new champions — and a new tactical master at the top of English football. Arne Slot has masterminded a stunning transformation at Liverpool, guiding the Reds to their 20th league title and marking a new era at Anfield following the departure of club legend Jürgen Klopp.
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‎Arne Slot leads the top 10 Premier League managers of 2024-25 as Guardiola falters. See who made SPORTING’s definitive rankings.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎But Slot wasn’t the only manager to catch the eye in a season full of surprises, setbacks, and strategic masterclasses. With Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City finally faltering, the stage was set for other top-flight tacticians to showcase their credentials.
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‎From Nuno Espirito Santo’s European breakthrough at Nottingham Forest to Eddie Howe's trophy-winning revival of Newcastle and Unai Emery’s continued ascent at Aston Villa, the 2024-25 Premier League campaign was a rich tapestry of elite coaching.
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‎Here, SPORTING ranks the Top 10 Premier League managers of the 2024-25 season based on performance, progress, and impact.
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‎1. Arne Slot (Liverpool)
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‎Taking over from Klopp was a daunting task, yet Slot turned pressure into purpose. His controlled, methodical system brought stability and firepower, earning Liverpool the title with four games to spare. The Dutchman’s tactical intelligence and man-management have laid the groundwork for a new dynasty at Anfield.
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‎2. Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest)
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‎From relegation-threatened to Europe-bound in just one season, Nuno’s work at Forest has been nothing short of transformational. Smart recruitment and a clear identity made Forest one of the stories of the season.
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‎3. Eddie Howe (Newcastle United)
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‎Howe silenced the doubters by delivering Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years and returning them to Champions League contention. His adaptable tactics and motivational skills were central to the Magpies’ resurgence.
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‎4. Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
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‎Emery’s Villa balanced league success with a strong European run. His experience and precise style have elevated Villa into serious contenders, with top-four finishes no longer dreams but expectations.
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‎5. Thomas Frank (Brentford)
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‎Despite the departure of Ivan Toney, Frank evolved Brentford tactically and pushed them towards their first-ever European qualification. His ability to reinvent the squad is testament to elite coaching.
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‎6. Vitor Pereira (Wolves)
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‎Appointed mid-season, Pereira lifted Wolves from 19th to safety and stability with a bold tactical overhaul. The turnaround under his leadership was miraculous, and his debut campaign deserves high praise.
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‎7. Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton)
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‎At just 31, Hurzeler has Brighton dreaming again. A progressive style, bold decisions, and European qualification contention in his first Premier League season mark him out as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.
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‎8. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
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‎Arteta’s Arsenal showed moments of brilliance, but ultimately lacked the killer instinct to claim the title. Injuries played a part, yet his reluctance to reinforce key positions cost dearly in a season of opportunity.
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‎9. Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
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‎Taking over a fractured Chelsea, Maresca brought discipline and possession-based play. If he can sort out the club’s recruitment woes, the Blues could become genuine title challengers again under his watch.
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‎10. Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
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‎Iraola's Bournemouth impressed with attacking flair and fearlessness, nearly crashing the top six before injuries took a toll. His development of emerging stars shows a coach capable of much more.
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‎Honorable Mentions
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‎Rob Edwards (Luton Town) deserves credit for a spirited survival bid, while Erik ten Hag’s struggles at Manchester United and Guardiola’s downturn at City reflect the evolving power dynamic of the Premier League.
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‎As the 2024-25 season ends, one thing is clear: the Premier League’s coaching landscape has shifted dramatically. Arne Slot stands tall, but a host of elite managers are not far behind, each vying for glory in what promises to be an even more competitive 2025-26 campaign.

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