10 Greatest Liverpool Managers in History (Ranked)

8. Gerard Houllier (1998-2004)

For many Liverpool fans, Gérard Houllier was the first manager they truly remember. His arrival at Anfield in 1998 was anything but conventional—he was appointed as joint manager alongside Roy Evans, marking the only time in the club’s history that such an arrangement was made. However, the partnership was short-lived, as Evans departed later that year, leaving Houllier in sole charge to oversee a much-needed rebuild.

Houllier brought in key signings such as Emile Heskey and Sami Hyypiä while also placing great faith in the club’s academy. Under his guidance, young talents like Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Michael Owen flourished in the first team. His tenure peaked in 2001 with a historic treble of the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup. However, after two disappointing final seasons, Houllier was relieved of his duties, marking the end of his Anfield chapter.

7. Joe Fagan (1983-1985)

As a key member of Bob Paisley’s backroom staff and a founding figure of Liverpool’s legendary "Boot Room," Joe Fagan seamlessly stepped into the managerial role following Paisley’s retirement. The Englishman wasted no time continuing Liverpool’s dominance, delivering an incredible treble in 1984—winning the First Division title, League Cup, and a fourth European Cup.

Fagan quickly endeared himself to Liverpool fans, his rise from reserve team coach in the 1960s to first-team manager making for a remarkable story. However, after a disappointing 1984-85 season, which saw Liverpool fall short in the league and lose the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United, Fagan decided to step away from management, bringing an end to his short but highly successful tenure.

6. Rafael Benitez (2004-2010)

Some viewed it as a surprise appointment, but after Gerard Houllier’s departure, Liverpool turned to Europe for their next manager—bringing in Rafa Benítez. Tasked with revitalizing a struggling side, the Spanish tactician wasted no time in making his mark. Handing Steven Gerrard the iconic number eight shirt and signing key players like Xabi Alonso and Luis García, he transformed Liverpool into one of the most thrilling and resilient teams in Europe.

His impact was immediate, culminating in the unforgettable 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, where Liverpool staged one of football’s greatest comebacks to defeat AC Milan. The following season, Benítez added the UEFA Super Cup to his collection, before guiding the Reds to FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs. After six years at Anfield, he departed in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of European glory and tactical brilliance.

5. Jurgen Klopp (2015-2024)

No list of Liverpool’s greatest managers would be complete without Jurgen Klopp. The charismatic German arrived from Borussia Dortmund and instantly won over the Anfield faithful with his iconic “doubter to believer” statement, setting the tone for a remarkable era.

His first season saw Liverpool embark on a thrilling Europa League run, laying the groundwork for future success. With transformative signings like Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Mohamed Salah, Klopp built a side capable of conquering Europe. Across his tenure, he led the Reds to three Champions League finals and went on to win every major club trophy available.

In January 2024, Klopp announced his decision to step down at the end of the season, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter. His legacy at Anfield is cemented—forever remembered as one of the greatest to ever lead Liverpool.

4. Tom Watson (1896-1915)

Tom Watson may not be a household name among modern Liverpool fans, but his influence on the club’s history is undeniable. After arriving from Sunderland, Watson spent an incredible 19 seasons at Anfield—a record that stood for decades before eventually being surpassed.

During his tenure, he guided Liverpool to their first two league titles, cementing their place among England’s elite. Even after suffering relegation in 1904, his side responded in style, securing an immediate return to the top flight before reclaiming the First Division crown soon after.

Watson retired in April 1915, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Sadly, he passed away just a month later, but his impact on Liverpool endures as one of the club’s pioneering figures.

3. Kenny Dalglish (1985-1991 & 2011-2012)

It's rare for a club’s greatest-ever player to also become one of its most successful managers, but Kenny Dalglish defied that notion spectacularly. While his second stint in charge may not have lived up to expectations, his first reign remains unforgettable.

Though Liverpool were unable to showcase their dominance in Europe due to the tragic events at Heysel, Dalglish still led the club to three league titles and two FA Cups, capping off a decade of domestic dominance. His influence on Liverpool, both as a player and manager, is legendary—even if his second spell in the dugout didn’t reach the same heights.