Chelsea is one of the most successful clubs in the English Premier League. The best Chelsea managers have helped in creating a rich history for the club. These managers have shown their class in bringing great domestic and European successes over the years.
Many might argue that millions of dollars are the main reasons behind the Blues’ glorious journey. But, this would do injustice to these talented managers, who have taken the club to new heights in different eras to not only establish Chelsea’s name in domestic football but also in the competitive European tournaments.
List of Last 20 Chelsea Managers
| Name of Chelsea managers | Years |
| Mauricio Pochettino | 2023-24 |
| Frank Lampard | 2023 |
| Bruno Saltor | 2023 |
| Graham Potter | 2022-23 |
| Thomas Tuchel | 2021-22 |
| Frank Lampard | 2019-21 |
| Maurizio Sarri | 2018-19 |
| Antonio Conte | 2016-18 |
| Guus Hiddink | 2015-16 |
| Steve Holland | 2015 |
| Jose Mourinho | 2013-15 |
| Rafa Benitez | 2012-13 |
| Roberto Di Matteo | 2012 |
| Andre Villas-Boas | 2011-12 |
| Carlo Ancelotti | 2009-2011 |
| Guus Hiddink | 2009 |
| Ray Wilkins | 2009 |
| Luiz Felipe Scolari | 2008-09 |
| Avram Grant | 2007-08 |
| Jose Mourinho | 2004-07 |
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List of Best Managers in Chelsea History
10. Claudio Ranieri
Despite not winning any trophy, Claudio Ranieri is considered one of the best Chelsea managers. His biggest achievement on the sideline is helping the Blues to make a steady climb during their financial crunches. In 2003, the English club completed a top-four finish under Ranieri’s watch.
Sitting on the verge of a financial collapse, Chelsea managed to stay alive in the English top flight. After the takeover of Roman Abramovich, the celebrated manager led the Blues to the UEFA Champions League semifinal, only to be beaten by AS Monaco. His efforts to help Chelsea recover from a tricky situation are still fondly remembered by the club’s faithfully.
9. Glenn Hoddle
Glenn Hoddle’s transfer policy and involvement in youth development are the most commendable achievements in his managerial career at Chelsea. He also didn’t win any silverware like Claudio Ranieri, but his role in bringing some of the biggest footballing stars to Stamford Bridge is something to be remembered in the rich history of the club.
Hoddle is the one who signed Ruud Gullit and transformed Chelsea into an elite team. When the Blues used to finish under the top 10 in the Premier League table, it was Hoddle, who dreamt of making them a European Championship contender. During his era, Chelsea played in the FA Cup final.
8. Ruud Gullit
If anyone asks why Ruud Gullit is on the list of the best Chelsea managers then his contribution to the Premier League club’s FA Cup victory in 1997 should be the answer. The player-turned-manager guided an underrated Chelsea side to their first silverware in 26 years.
However, Gullit’s honeymoon period did not last longer as he was sacked just one year later of this incredible achievement. Many fans are of the view that he would have done wonders if he were given more chances by the club management.
7. Dave Sexton
Dave Sexton’s legacy on the sidelines has earned him an honorable spot on the list of the best Chelsea managers in history. The renowned football coach won only one title for the Blues in the form of the 1970 FA Cup. However, his tenure should not be defined by only one silverware. He contributed far more than that in building a formidable squad in the club.
In the darkest period of Chelsea, he lifted the morale of the team to compete at the highest level. For his commendable work for the club, his name has been etched in Stamford Bridge where he is remembered alongside other legends.
6. Gianluca Vialli
They say trophies are what define the success of a manager of a club. Gianluca Vialli has exactly lived by those words during his time on the sidelines of Stamford Bridge and has solidified his place as one of the best Chelsea managers. He was by far the most successful manager of the Blues before the Abramovich era started.
FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, these major silverware were clinched by Chelsea under Vialli’s watch. His famous 3-1 win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League is still regarded as one of the greatest feats in the club’s history.
5. Guus Hiddink
Guus Hiddink is the only interim coach to feature on the list of the greatest Chelsea managers. He took charge in February, 2009 after the untimely sacking of the previous manager. Much to everyone’s surprise, the Dutchman brought a sense of stability at the club, resulting in only one defeat in the remainder of the season.
Chelsea also went on to win the 2009 FA Cup title under Hiddink’s stewardship. Despite his growing popularity amongst the fans and the players, he could not continue as the in manager due to his permanent managerial duty with the Russian national football team. He left a remarkable mark as one of the best Chelsea managers.
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4. Carlo Ancelotti
Following a dark phase of downfall at Chelsea under the Brazilian coach Luis Scolari, Carlo Ancelotti took over as manager at Stamford Bridge. When there was growing unrest amongst the fans, the Italian manager came as a savior. He not only resurrected the Blues, but also led them to numerous accolades.
Chelsea won the Premier League and FA Cup titles during Ancelotti’s era. It was the first time that the Blues won two major trophies in a calendar year. Ancelotti turned a star-studded Chelsea side into an elite team. His significant contributions to the glorious days of the club were etched in the hearts of Chelsea’s millions of fans.
3. Roberto Di Matteo
Robert Di Matteo was like a tragic hero at Chelsea, who delivered and left. After Ancelotti left Stamford Bridge, he was handed the managerial duty by the club management to continue the successful legacy of his predecessor. Di Matteo lived up to the high expectations, and guided Chelsea to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2012, putting the club’s name on the elite board of European football. This was also followed by a FA Cup title. His charisma on the sidelines urged the players to do more for the club.
However, a fall-out with the club management showed the door to Di Matteo, who was fired within a year of his European and domestic success with the Blues. His legacy has earned him a spot on the list of the greatest Chelsea managers.
2. Ted Drake
Ted Drake is a legendary figure in the history of Chelsea. The English manager spent nearly a decade on the sidelines of Stamford Bridge and worked to reshape the club in the best possible way. From signing new footballers to changing the rules and regulations, from winning the first domestic league title Chelsea to introducing the lion on the club’s crest, Drake executed all these as the club manager.
When the Blues were not regarded as an elite team, Drake led them to their first league title in the 20th century. Many are of the view that he is the best manager in Chelsea’s history.
1. Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho, the special one! The Portuguese is most probably the greatest Chelsea manager, at least the records speak volumes in this regard. Backed by Roman Abramovich’s millions of dollars, Mourinho resurrected the Blues and went all guns blazing to compete at the high level of club football.
With the help of a young and experienced team, he clinched five trophies for Chelsea, including two English Premier League titles. He made a habit of beating other top teams in the English top flight. And this was what made him a popular manager at Stamford Bridge.
FAQs
Who is Chelsea’s best manager ever?
Jose Mourinho is arguably Chelsea’s best manager ever.
Who is most likely to be the next Chelsea manager?
Thomas Tuchel is most likely to be the next Chelsea manager. He coached the Blues for one year in the 2021/22 season before joining Bayern Munich.
Who is the best Chelsea player of all time?
John Terry is the best Chelsea player of all-time.
Who were the last 10 Chelsea managers?
The last 10 Chelsea managers are – Jose Mourinho, Steve Holland, Guus Hiddink, Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Mauricio Pochettino.