Every manager to win the Premier League in their debut season | OneFootball

Arne Slot has guided Liverpool to the Premier League title with the Reds crowned champions this weekend.

The Dutchman has exceeded all expectations since stepping into the sizeable shoes of Jurgen Klopp last summer. Most anticipated a settling-in period, but Slot has turned Liverpool into champions during a season of superb standards. He’s become just the fifth coach to win the Premier League in their debut season in the division.

Every manager to win the Premier League in their debut season

Jose Mourinho – 2004/05 (Chelsea)

Jose Mourinho dubbed himself the ‘Special One’ after arriving at Chelsea in 2004. Fresh from leading an unfancied Porto side to Champions League success, Mourinho waltzed into English football and turned a good Chelsea side into an outstanding one.

Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira followed their compatriot from Porto to West London, while the additions of Petr Cech and Didier Drogba helped take Chelsea to the next level. The big-spending Blues toppled an Arsenal side that went unbeaten the previous season, ending the campaign 12 points clear and with a then-record 95 points.

While that record has since been surpassed, their record-breaking 15 goals conceded all season looks a serious feat to beat.

Read – Zidane, Mourinho, Van Gaal: Ten football managers who went back

Carlo Ancelotti – 2009/10 (Chelsea)

After Mourinho’s (first) explosive exit at Chelsea, the Blues bounced around a succession of managers without finding the formula.

In came Carlo Ancelotti in 2009 and the two-time Champions League winner soon proved his credentials. Chelsea finally delivered the free-flowing football owner Roman Abramovich craved, sweeping to a domestic double with goals not in short supply.

Chelsea ended the campaign as Premier League champions, setting records for the most goals scored in a Premier League season (103) and best goal difference (+71). Naturally, the title was secured with an 8-0 thumping of Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s hire ’em and fire ’em policy saw Ancelotti sacked after a trophyless second season. He’s since gone on to become the first coach to win each of Europe’s top five leagues and extend his managerial record to five Champions League wins. It’s quite the résumé.

Read – The earliest title wins in Premier League history

Manuel Pellegrini – 2013/14 (Manchester City)

Manuel Pellegrini was brought in at Manchester City after the reign of the club’s first title-winning manager, Roberto Mancini, had gone stale.

The Chilean claimed the Premier League in his debut season, as the Citizens saw off Liverpool and Chelsea to take the title. Yaya Toure’s turbo-charged season was the inspiration for the Blues, who overcame a Luis Suarez-inspired Liverpool to pip the Reds to the crown.

Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip saw City storm ahead in the run-in and never relinquish their grip.

Read – Where the Premier League title was won for Liverpool

Antonio Conte – 2016/17 (Chelsea)

Antonio Conte inherited a Chelsea team in disarray in 2016. The Blues had been champions two years earlier but imploded in 2015/16 to end the campaign 10th.

Conte initially sought continuity in the club’s tactical approach, before ripping up the blueprint and reverting to type. A heavy defeat at Arsenal in September persuaded Conte to move to the 3-4-2-1 system that had worked so successfully for him at Juventus.

It was an inspired move.

Chelsea racked up 13 consecutive league wins after that loss and never looked back in the title race. The Blues ended the season with the then-record for wins (30) in a single campaign.

That success was one of five league titles Conte has won as a coach. He claimed three with Juventus and one with Inter Milan, with the Italian chasing down a sixth in charge of Napoli this season.

Arne Slot – 2024/25 (Liverpool)

Arne Slot arrived at Liverpool with question marks. Dutch managers had a chequered history in the Premier League, with Slot’s experience – albeit impressive – limited to the Eredivisie. Add in the task of replacing Liverpool’s most successful manager of the modern era and it was a big challenge.

Slot has proven himself to be both astute and sensible. The 46-year-old has built on the solid foundation he inherited, tweaked where required, and brought out the best in key figures. Mohamed Salah’s inspired season has been the driving force, though the levels of Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate have all been improved.

Liverpool opened the season with three straight wins and have barely faltered since. Just two defeats in the Premier League has seen the title wrapped up with four games to spare. Few expected Liverpool to be in genuine title contention. Instead, Slot’s side have won a one-horse race.

Read – Slot suggests Alexander-Arnold exit could benefit Bradley

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