10 Greatest Manchester City Managers Ever
3. Roberto Mancini
Mancini became Manchester City’s manager in December 2009. Under his stewardship, he instilled a winning culture at the club. He took Manchester City from being a mid-table club to the pinnacle of English football, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair.
In 2010-11, his first full season at Manchester City, Mancini guided the club to Champions League football and the FA Cup. In 2011-12, Mancini guided Manchester City to the club’s first league title in 44 years in an enthralling last day of the season. City won 3–2, with two goals in the injury time in what was called “the best match of the best last day of the season in English football history.”
Under Mancini, Manchester City progressed to the 2013 FA Cup Final. However, he was sacked after failing to beat Wigan in that final. He is widely remembered as one of the greatest Manchester City managers ever.
2. Joe Mercer
Mercer enjoyed great success as a manager with Manchester City between 1965 and 1971. In his first season at Maine Road, the club won the 1966 Second Division title to regain top-flight status. Two seasons later Mercer led Manchester City to the 1967-68 First Division championship. He then went on to win the 1969 FA Cup, the 1970 League Cup, and the 1970 European Cup Winner’s Cup.
In 1970–71, Mercer had a dispute with his assistant Malcolm Allison, after the two men became embroiled in Manchester City’s takeover battle. Mercer supported the existing board, led by the respected Albert Alexander. In contrast, Allison supported the rival group led by Peter Swales after being promised that he would be the manager in his own right. The takeover succeeded, and Mercer was replaced by Malcolm Allison.
1. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola’s tenure as the manager of Manchester City has been nothing short of remarkable. He has achieved a plethora of achievements and successes. Since his arrival in 2016, Guardiola has transformed the club into a domestic and European dominant force.
In his eight seasons with the club, Pep has led the club to 6 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and one Champions League title. He also completed a four-peat (4 consecutive league titles) with City, a domestic quadruple, and a European treble, something the club had never achieved before. His team became the first to attain 100 points in a single season during the 2017-18 season, winning the league by a massive 19 points.
Under his guidance, the club has achieved remarkable success, dominating domestic competitions and making their mark on the European stage. Guardiola’s legacy at Manchester City will be remembered forever.