Will Slot Accomplish The Same Feat?
As his team sits eight points clear at the top of the table after 12 games, Liverpool’s current manager, Arne Slot, is eyeing a historic achievement—becoming only the fifth manager to secure a Premier League title in his debut season in English football.
Joining this elite group is no small feat, with even legends like Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, and Arsene Wenger were unable to claim membership in this exclusive club. It’s also worth mentioning that while Claudio Ranieri’s title win with Leicester was during his first season in charge of the Foxes, it was not actually his Premier League debut, since he had managed Chelsea between 2000 and 2004.
Jose Mourinho – 2004/05
When Jose Mourinho arrived at Chelsea, he inherited a team that had just finished second to Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles in the 2003/04 season. But “The Special One” quickly transformed them into an unstoppable force.
Fresh from leading Porto to Champions League glory, Mourinho brought along compatriot Ricardo Carvalho, who slotted into a defense already boasting John Terry, with the brilliant newcomer Petr Cech in goal and Claude Makelele dominating as a defensive midfielder.
Chelsea’s intent was clear from day one, with a gritty 1-0 victory over Manchester United setting the tone for the season. The Blues went on to shatter records, finishing with 95 points, conceding just 15 goals, and keeping an unmatched 25 clean sheets. Mourinho’s Chelsea didn’t just win—they dominated.
Carlo Ancelotti – 2009/10
After Mourinho’s departure, Chelsea struggled to replicate their dominance, with managers like Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari, and Guus Hiddink unable to deliver Premier League titles. But in 2009, Carlo Ancelotti took the reins and unleashed a new, attacking Chelsea.
Where Mourinho’s Chelsea was a defensive powerhouse, Ancelotti’s side became an offensive juggernaut. They scored a record-breaking 103 goals that season and finished with the best goal difference in Premier League history (+71).
Ancelotti’s Chelsea claimed a league and FA Cup double, re-establishing their dominance. However, a trophyless second season saw him depart—a decision that hasn’t hindered Ancelotti’s illustrious career since.
Manuel Pellegrini – 2013/14
Manchester City’s first Premier League title came under Roberto Mancini in 2011/12, but a disappointing follow-up campaign saw the Italian depart. Enter Manuel Pellegrini, who guided City back to the top in dramatic fashion.
Pellegrini’s debut season coincided with Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement at Manchester United, which left a power vacuum in English football. Yet Liverpool, powered by Luis Suarez’s sensational form, emerged as City’s primary competition in an electrifying title race.
The 2013/14 season remains unforgettable. Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip, Yaya Toure’s seemingly endless stream of goals from midfield, and City’s relentless consistency culminated in a two-point triumph over Liverpool. Remarkably, this remains Pellegrini’s only league title in European football.
Antonio Conte – 2016/17
Antonio Conte became Chelsea’s third manager to win the Premier League in his first season, following Mourinho and Ancelotti. But unlike his predecessors, Conte inherited a side in disarray after what he famously called “a Mourinho season.”
Chelsea finished a disappointing 10th in 2015/16, but with no European distractions, Conte used his first season to revolutionize the team. He implemented a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation that maximized the squad’s strengths, leading to a stunning 13-game winning streak between October and December.
By Christmas, Chelsea had effectively secured the title. Conte’s tactical innovation and focus on fitness paid dividends as his side claimed the Premier League crown. Interestingly, Conte now faces a similar challenge at Napoli, where he’s revitalizing a team that had fallen from grace after winning Serie A.
Can Arne Slot Join the Club?
If Arne Slot guides Liverpool to Premier League glory in his debut campaign, he will enter this prestigious group. Achieving such a feat in a league as competitive as the Premier League would undoubtedly cement his reputation as one of the brightest managerial talents in football.
He certainly is off to a promising start.