Premier League Manager of the Year 2024: Who’s in the Running?
As the 2023/24 Premier League season’s end draws closer, speculation around the end-of-season awards are starting to rise. This season has presented numerous impressive managerial performances at both ends of the table with each manager showcasing their own levels of tactical nous and mentality. Today we’re be looking at who our candidates for the prestigious Manager of the Year award are.
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
In his final season in the dugout at Anfield, Klopp has so far guided Liverpool back to the summit of English football. After last season’s disappointing fifth place finish, the German has incredibly rebuilt his squad with a blend of youth and experience. His side have the perfect balance of entertainment, but also a level of domination that has deservedly put them to the top of the league.
With the Reds currently sitting top of the Premier League with 11 games to go, it would be impossible to leave Klopp out of the conversation for Manager of the Year.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
After Arsenal’s brilliant campaign last year, many doubted whether the Gunners could mount another challenge for the Premier League title. However, Arteta’s side have silenced their doubters with a run of dominating performances, showcasing their world-class quality and remarkable mental strength.
As they currently sit two points behind the league leaders Liverpool, it seems that Arteta may have transformed his side into genuine title contenders for the forseeable.
Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Since his arrival at Aston Villa, Unai Emery has transformed his side into a side well worth their current fourth place standing in the league table. The likes of Douglas Luiz, Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey have all made a huge amount of progress within their personal game, signalling the impact Emery is having on the training ground.
The Villains currently sit on 55 points from 27 games, and are currently five points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place.
Gary O’Neil (Wolves)
Eyebrows were raised when Bournemouth made the decision to sack Gary O’Neil after an incredible season last year, but the young head coach has proved his worth once again at Wolves. Following Julien Lopetegui’s departure, many expected Wolves to struggle for survival, but the club took an unexpected turn for the better under O’Neil.
Their rise up the Premier League table leaves them just four points away from European Qualification, which is quite a remarkable achievement.
Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth)
As ridiculous as Bournemouth’s treatment of O’Neil was, credit has to be given for his replacement’s performance this season. Although they haven’t quite hit the standards of last season, the Cherries have still enjoyed a really impressive season. With 11 games to go, Iraola has steered his side well clear of the relegation zone whilst also introducing an attractive style of play with the likes of Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo.
The back end of this season will be crucial for Iraola’s reputation as he would likely be aiming for a similar league finish to last season under O’Neil.
Who Wins It?
At the moment, it’s hard to look past Jurgen Klopp at the moment with his side on course to lift the Premier League title. The job that the German has done to rebuild his squad in the matter of months has been incredible and what a story it would be for him to finally lift the trophy in front of a full Anfield as a true mark of a farewell.
If for whatever reason Liverpool suffer a woeful end to the season, then I would be tempted to lean towards Unai Emery – should Aston Villa qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
