Premier League’s 10 Most Impressive Managerial Starts in History
New manager? Check. High expectations? Check. And let’s not forget the fierce spotlight that follows every Premier League debut. Starting strong is no small feat for a Premier League manager, especially in a world where fans and critics alike keep close tabs on every game, every goal, and every missed chance.
Some bosses are lucky enough to experience a smooth take-off, while others hit the ground sprinting, only to encounter turbulence later. Here, we rank the top 10 Premier League managers who had blistering starts, each bringing their own style and often breaking records. Ready to see how they stack up?
Here Are the Premier League’s 10 Best Managerial Starts of All-time
10. Jose Mourinho (Chelsea) – 8 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
The “Special One” made quite the impression when he arrived in 2004, carrying a UEFA Champions League title under his belt from Porto.
The charismatic Mourinho didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk, leading Chelsea to an incredible start, conceding only three goals in their first 11 matches. Mourinho would go on to win the Premier League that season and set Chelsea on the path to glory.
9. Luiz Felipe Scolari (Chelsea) – 8 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
Scolari’s appointment in 2008 was as high-profile as they come, with Chelsea fans hoping his World Cup-winning pedigree would translate into Premier League success. Big Phil made an impressive start, with Chelsea sitting at the top of the league after 11 games. However, while Scolari's early form was promising, he couldn’t maintain it, and his tenure would ultimately be cut short by midseason.
8. Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham) – 8 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
Who’d have thought Tottenham’s choice of an Australian manager would be one of the boldest and most successful moves of 2023? Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy and down-to-earth demeanour immediately won over Spurs fans.
At the start of his term, Tottenham looked unstoppable, even reaching the top of the league by the end of October. However, when the season ended, they failed to secure a Champions League spot. Now in his second term, he faces scrutiny over his side's inconsistency, with wins against Manchester United and Aston Villa offset by losses to Crystal Palace and Ipswich. How the remainder of the 2024-25 season will unfold remains to be seen.
7. Maurizio Sarri (Chelsea) – 8 wins, 3 draws
Sarri arrived from Italy with high expectations and an intricate style of play that was instantly recognisable. His Chelsea side got off to a quick start, going unbeaten in their first 11 games. Sarri-ball wasn’t for everyone, but it earned Chelsea a third-place finish and a Europa League title. While he moved back to Italy after one season, his impact at Chelsea left its mark.
6. Frank Clark (Nottingham Forest) – 8 wins, 3 draws
Frank Clark might not be a household name today, but his debut season at Nottingham Forest in the mid-90s was sensational. Returning Forest to the top flight in 1994, Clark orchestrated an impressive unbeaten start. His Forest team defied expectations, finishing third and earning a UEFA Cup spot. It was one of the most memorable seasons for Forest, and it’s still a point of pride for the club’s supporters.
5. Carlo Ancelotti (Chelsea) – 9 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses
Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival at Chelsea was part of a dream start that would result in one of the most dominant seasons in Premier League history.
After a stellar beginning with nine wins from 11 games, his Chelsea side broke records left and right, finishing the season with a record 103 goals and the league title. Ancelotti’s calm authority won him fans, and Chelsea’s goal-fests became a trademark of his tenure.
3. John Gregory (Aston Villa) – 9 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses
When John Gregory took charge of Aston Villa in 1998, few could have anticipated the dramatic turnaround that would follow. With Villa struggling, Gregory inspired his players, earning nine wins in 11 games and securing a top-seven finish. Gregory continued to keep Villa competitive in subsequent seasons, but his initial impact remains a testament to his motivational prowess.
3. Arne Slot (Liverpool) – 9 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
Who says Liverpool can’t win without Klopp? Arne Slot took the reins for the first time in the summer of 2024 and has impressed everyone with his pressing style and organised defence. Under Slot, Liverpool climbed to the top of the Champions League group stage and carved a solid lead in the Premier League table. With fans daring to believe this could be their year, Slot’s impact has been nothing short of transformational.
2. Guus Hiddink (Chelsea) – 9 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
If you need a caretaker manager, look no further than Guus Hiddink. When he first joined Chelsea as interim boss in 2009, Hiddink made an instant impact, turning around a struggling team.
His impressive start, marked by nine wins from 11 games, propelled Chelsea to a third-place finish and an FA Cup trophy. Hiddink returned for a second interim spell later on, once again providing Chelsea with much-needed stability.
1. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United) – 9 wins, 2 draws
Ole’s at the wheel, and what a ride it was in his first few months at Manchester United. The former striker stepped in as a caretaker in December 2018 and immediately hit his stride, winning nine of his first 11 games.
United’s resurgence was capped by a famous comeback against PSG in the Champions League. Although his tenure had its ups and downs, Solskjaer’s start was electrifying and remains unforgettable for United fans.
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