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Where does Guardiola rank?
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In the modern era it is harder than ever for managers to stand the test of time in the Premier League. Such is the pressure in the English top-flight to deliver instant results, clubs often hit the panic button an opt for a change, hoping that the cliched 'new manager bounce' can upturn their fortunes. However, some bosses defy this theory and have managed to hang on to their Premier League jobs for a sustained period - a true achievement in itself. With this in mind, here at Transfermarkt, we have calculated the 20 longest serving managers in Premier League history (since the division's re-format in the 1992/93 season). Two current active managers make the list.
Leading the way is former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger. The Frenchman is often credited with changing English football, and spent 21 years and eight months in the Gunners dugout between 1996-2018. In second spot is the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson - he spent 20 years and 11 months at Manchester United in the Premier League era. The Scot would have been first if we had also included the pre-Premier League era before 1992. Third place goes to David Moyes, who was in charge of Everton for 11 years and three months between 2002-2013. The 62-year-old is now back as manager of the Toffees but surely can't last that long in the job this time around.
Pep Guardiola now lays claim to fourth spot, having managed Manchester City for nine years and three months since 2016. He recently celebrated his 250th Premier League win and has won the league six times. Guardiola's current contract runs until 2027 and if he extends he could climb to third. Fifth place goes to former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp - the German spent eight years and eight months at Anfield between 2015 and 2024. In sixth is Joe Kinnear who was manager of former Premier League side Wimbledon FC for six years and 11 months between 1992-1999. In seventh is Harry Redknapp, who spent six years and nine months as West Ham manager between 1994 and 2001.
Eighth spot goes to Rafael Benítez, who was Liverpool boss for five years and 11 months between 2004 and 2010. Alan Curbishley takes ninth position having managed Charlton for five years and 11 months in the 2000s. Completing the top 10 is actually current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has already been at the north London club for five years and nine months and will likely be up to eighth by the end of the season. The two Spaniards, Guardiola and Arteta, are the only two active managers, currently in their role, included in the top 20.
