Top six quickest managers to reach 200 Premier League wins

Published at :February 1, 2024 at 4:03 AM

Modified at :February 1, 2024 at 4:11 AM

(Courtesy : Premier League)

A few games separate the second, third and fourth quickest managers

The Premier League is one of the most sought-after leagues in the whole world of football. Everyone wants to be a part of this competition in one way or another. Be it as a player, staff, manager or even a spectator. And out of these, probably the most pressuring spot is to be a manager in the English top-tier league.

Since 1992 when the Premier League first came into existence, a total of 272 managers have been appointed. Their role has spread out to manage the players, tactics and other transfer decisions in and around the club. It is a hectic job given the fans and media are very critical of the team’s performances and other matters every week.

And at this level of the managerial job, we have seen many managers getting fired within a season. Last season alone 14 managers were sacked or left the club. In a competition where job stability hardly exists, there are a certain group of managers who have made their name amidst it. We are talking about the managers who took the least time to get to 200 wins in the English Premier League. The list just found a new leader last Sunday. Let’s delve into the names of the top six quickest managers who have remarkably reached this milestone:

6. David Moyes – 511 games

The current manager of West Ham United is no stranger to the world of the Premier League. David Moyes has managed top clubs in England such as Everton, Manchester United and West Ham. Notably, he was the ‘chosen one’ when Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson decided to step down. Ferguson reportedly suggested the United board to go ahead with Moyes, although the ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho was also approachable.

The appointment didn’t go all too pleasing for United and Moyes. United sacked him just after 10 months. But there are positives to his story as well. After finishing his playing career at Preston North End, to later manage them, Moyes embarked on a path that eventually led him to the Premier League. Due to his meticulous approach and dedication, David Moyes has a milestone of 200 wins in 511 games.

5. Arsène Wenger – 332 games

From his playing days in French football as a centre-back, Arsene Wenger transitioned to a managerial career with spells at AS Nancy and AS Monaco. His analytical approach and emphasis on fitness and nutrition soon earned him a sceptical move to Arsenal. Not everyone was convinced about a Frenchman who was managing a side in Japan before them. But with time and years passed, we have seen how Arsène Wenger totally transformed the club. From playing in Highbury to the modern Emirates Stadium, people have realised what a gift he was for the club.

Arsenal FC even constructed a bronze statue of Wenger lifting the Premier League title, showing respect and giving him the legendary status all out. The French manager achieved 200 Premier League wins in just 332 games and this gives him the fourth spot in the list.

4. José Mourinho – 326 games

A list of managerial accomplishments without the name of the Special One is hard to find. Jose Mourinho’s football journey began as a player in Portugal. His playing career lasted for just six years before he found his true calling in management. He climbed the ranks as an assistant manager at Barcelona before making his mark at Portuguese side FC Porto. In just his second year at the helm, he led Porto to win the 2003-04 UEFA Champions League.

This is what probably left a lasting impression on Roman Abramovich. Even though Claudio Ranieri finished second in the 2003-04 Premier League, Abramovich decided to bring Mourinho to steer the boat thereafter. Mourinho’s first spell in England lasted for three years with Chelsea. In his very first season, he delivered the Premier League trophy. And again the next season.

He also has managed other Premier League sides such as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. His tactical acumen and penchant for success led him to achieve 200 Premier League wins in 326 games. Mourinho’s transition from a translator during his early days to a masterful manager is a remarkable narrative.

3. Sir Alex Ferguson – 322 games

Even though Sir Alex Ferguson gave David Moyes the chance after stepping down suggesting a similarity. But both had pretty different rates of success before coming to Manchester United. Ferguson already had a strong resume. He had made history by leading Aberdeen to consecutive league titles in 1983-84 and 1984-85. And also broke the 15-year duopoly involving either Celtic or Rangers back in 1979-80.

The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson had a modest playing career before venturing into management. His transformation from a striker to one of the greatest managers ever is awe-inspiring. With Aberdeen, he showcased his talents before a historic spell at Manchester United. After getting appointed for the United job in 1986, Ferguson managed the Red Devils for a total of 1,443 times. The Scottish boss remarkably took just 322 games to notch 200 Premier League wins.

2. Jurgen Klopp – 318 games

Jurgen Klopp, the charismatic manager of Liverpool, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the second-fastest manager to secure 200 wins in the Premier League. This feat was accomplished in just 318 games, underscoring Klopp’s exceptional impact and leadership since taking the helm at Liverpool. The game held on 31st January 2023, where Liverpool triumphed with a convincing 4-1 victory over Chelsea at home, was not only a testament to Klopp’s tactical prowess but also an emotionally charged occasion.

In a surprising development, last week Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of 2023-24 season, adding a poignant note to this significant achievement. This victory, marking his 200th win, thus becomes a bittersweet moment in Klopp’s illustrious tenure with Liverpool, combining professional triumph with personal farewell.

1. Pep Guardiola – 269 games

Victory over Sheffield United marked a significant milestone for the manager of Manchester City. This event was made even more historic as Pep Guardiola wasn’t to be seen on the touchline. Reportedly Guardiola is recovering from an issue with his back. The managerial maestro’s impact is still palpable as he became the quickest manager to achieve 200 wins in the history of English top-flight football.

This milestone was reached in just 269 games and is significantly quicker than the second person on the list. Notably, even Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable legacy took him 322 games to reach 200 wins in the Premier League era.

Guardiola’s reign at Manchester City started in 2016. And since then, City has improved remarkably in football dominance both domestically and beyond. This is evident as Pep guided the team to five Premier League titles in seven seasons. City fans will hope to see him back on the touchline where his antics and tactics are world-renowned.

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