Every top-flight outfit aims to improve each summer but this year has seen some seismic changes in the managerial department, which could make for an electric year on the touchline with the quality and camaraderie on show.
In particular, the ‘big six’ boasts household names (not disregarding other clubs) with Unai Emery taking over the mantle at Arsenal in a historic period for the club and Maurizio Sarri coming in for Antonio Conte at Chelsea in strange circumstances.
Let’s take a look at who exactly makes this the best set of Premier League managers yet and how they could each fair.
Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
Not much remains to be said about this remarkably influential and unique figure in world football in the past decade. It is no coincidence that the Catalan icon was in Spain and Germany the years those nations won the World Cup too. His sheer presence and ability to alter the face of that specific country’s perspective on football was again shown this year with how England performed. Still, with probably the strongest squad in the league, he is the man to beat again. It has (coincidentally) been a decade since a team has retained the Premier League title and City will be desperate to make that happen again this year.
Jose Mourinho – Manchester United
With undeniable quality in his field and proven success over the years, the ‘Special One’ remains one of the best, but the third season nightmare is looming to become reality yet again for the Portuguese boss with rumoured fall-outs and tension rife within Old Trafford this summer. Complaints whilst on their pre-season tour and a disappointing transfer window thus far has led the fan base to worry about the forthcoming campaign. Possibly not making it through the whole year, he might leave in dismay but may just as likely still gain more silverware if he can turn things around and maybe put trust in his hungry youth.
Mauricio Pochettino – Tottenham Hotspur
Although he is yet to sign any new players, the philosophy instilled in Spurs has been marvellous and with world class striker Harry Kane in his arsenal (no pun intended), anything is possible. If the new stadium can offer some home comforts and key defender Toby Alderweireld stays at the club, a few new faces may push this side to the next level – meaning silverware is possible. The doubt is that if this year lacks any significant progress, some players with seek pastures new (along with the manager himself) so it might be last chance saloon for this Spurs era.
Jurgen Klopp – Liverpool
Arguably boasting the most successful transfer window at this point, the charismatic German is aiming to finally get make his heavy-metal football count with a proven system and top talent in depth oozing around Melwood training ground as fans once again hope that this year with be their year. His likeable personality and borderline crazy antics on the sidelines get football fans across the globe watching but his football is the most entertaining with the ‘Gegenpress’ being the epitome of the style. Now with the most expensive goalkeeper and centre back in the world in the squad, along with Mohammed Salah in the team, it really might be the year and “Kloppo” will be the catalyst.
Maurizio Sarri – Chelsea
Working in business with a huge passion for the sport for the majority of his life, the breakout man last time out with Napoli took the Italian league by storm and will aim to do the same with a new club in England. Passing out from the back and getting everyone on the ball will suit the current Chelsea crop with technically gifted players all over the park; now with Jorginho (a brilliant deep-lying playmaker) coming in with Sarri from Naples. Managing a plethora of teams in his home nation, a move abroad could be tough but when a gaffer like him can galvanise a volatile club, they could be a real force to be reckoned with and generally hammer the division.
Unai Emery – Arsenal
Winning the Europa League three times on the spin with Sevilla in 2014, 2015 and 2016 got this man’s name on the map and when he gained his move to Paris Saint-Germain, many thought he could be the next big thing in European football. Nonetheless, not winning the Champions League with the Paris club and only winning the domestic title meant he was shown the door this year and following a lengthy process, he was awarded the chance to replace Arsene Wenger and create a new era with a pragmatic and bold style of play. Backed by a squad of quality players and a decent amount of cash being generated by the club at times, things are looking up for this new-look team.
Honourable mentions:
Marco Silva – Everton
Rafael Benítez – Newcastle United
Manuel Pellegrini – West Ham United
Nuno Espirito Santo – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Who do you think will be the best manager in the Premier League this campaign? Let us know in the comments!