Managers of clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid are among the longest-term coaches in Europe’s five biggest leagues – but such long-term projects are becoming less frequent.
Considering that managerial jobs are more volatile than ever, we’ve put together the list of the 10 longest-serving active managers before the 2024/25 season ends. Bodø/Glimt’s head coach Kjetil Knutsen has had the job since January 2018. That would put him in 4th place on this list. – The reigning league champions travel to the Stadio Olimpico in the second quarter-final against Lazio in the Europa League.
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Read: Bodø/Glimt have convinced Italian media
10. Carlo Ancelotti – 3 years and 9 months
Ancelotti is in his second spell as Real Madrid coach and has only reinforced his legendary status since his return. He has won:
- 2 Champions League titles
- 2 league championships
- 1 Copa del Rey
- 2 Supercup titles
- 2 Spanish Super Cups
- 1 Club World Cup
He has a contract until 2026, and with the new extended Club World Cup in 2025 on the horizon, he will probably stay to chase more trophies – unless Brazil make an offer he cannot refuse.
9. Simone Inzaghi – 3 years and 9 months
One of football’s most underrated coaches. Inzaghi has led Inter Milan to six trophies on limited finances, including a Champions League final. This season, he is fighting for the Serie A title with Napoli and is still in contention for the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.
8. Manuel Pellegrini – 4 years and 8 months
The 70-year-old Chilean is still doing impressively with Real Betis. He has taken them to Europe and won the Copa del Rey in 2022. The fact that he is now getting the best out of Manchester United failure Antony shows that he still has the magic coaching gene.
7. Mikel Arteta – 5 years and 8 months
Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a team in crisis to league contenders. They have finished in 2nd place two years in a row and are now in a strong position in the Champions League. The trophy consolation has been missing since the FA Cup victory in 2020, but Gunners fans believe in the project.
6. Imanol Alguacil – 6 years and 4 months
The Real Sociedad coach has done a phenomenal job with limited funds. He won the Copa del Rey in 2020 and has developed players such as Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Isak and Martin Zubimendi. The club has steadily increased its status under his leadership.
5. Thomas Frank – 6 years and 5 months
One of the Premier League’s most beloved coaches. Frank has made Brentford an established top team with a distinct style of play. His polite but firm approach has earned respect – both on and off the pitch.
4. Pep Guardiola – 8 years and 9 months
Guardiola’s longest tenure ever at one club. Since joining Manchester City, he has won:
- 5 league titles in 6 years
- 1 Champions League (as part of “The Treble”)
- 18 trophies in total
With a contract until 2027 and an FA Cup final looming, he could soon celebrate even more success.
3. Gian Piero Gasperini – 8 years and 9 months
An incredible success story. Gasperini has taken Atalanta from relegation battle to Europa League winners and Serie A contenders. The club has sold wisely and built up a strong team under his leadership.
2. Diego Simeone – 13 years and 3 months
A living legend. Simeone has kept Atlético Madrid competitive for over a decade with his intense style of play. He could have had 2 Champions League titles (2014 & 2016) if final accidents hadn’t struck. – He is also the world’s highest paid football manager with a salary of 50 million dollars.
1. Frank Schmidt – 17 years and 6 months
unique. Schmidt, born in Heidenheim, has been a coach since 2007 and took them from the 4th division to the Bundesliga and Europe. With over 600 games, he has stated that he has never wanted to coach anywhere else.
Long coaching periods are becoming less frequent, but these 10 prove that time and trust can create legendary success. Will any of them beat Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger (22 years old)? Time will tell.
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