Meet the 10 Longest-Serving Managers Still in Charge

As of April 14, 2025, these managers have demonstrated remarkable longevity at their respective clubs. From the Premier League to Ligue 1, here's a list of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top divisions, ordered by tenure length, along with notable achievements.

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1. Frank Schmidt – Heidenheim (Bundesliga)  

Start Date: September 2007  

Tenure: ~17 years, 7 months  

Notable Achievements: Promoted Heidenheim from the fourth tier to the Bundesliga (2023), secured European qualification (UEFA Conference League 2024/25).  

Schmidt’s remarkable longevity stems from his deep connection to the club, transforming it into a competitive Bundesliga side despite limited resources.

2. Diego Simeone – Atlético Madrid (La Liga)  

Start Date: December 2011  

Tenure: ~13 years, 4 months  

Notable Achievements: 2 La Liga titles (2014, 2021), 2 Europa League titles (2012, 2018), 1 Copa del Rey (2013), reached 2 Champions League finals (2014, 2016).  

Simeone has made Atlético a consistent force, known for their defensive resilience and competitive spirit.

3. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City (Premier League)  

Start Date: July 2016  

Tenure: ~8 years, 9 months  

Notable Achievements: 6 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League (2023), historic treble (2022/23), 18 total trophies.  

Guardiola’s innovative tactics have redefined English football, with his contract extended to 2027.

4. Gian Piero Gasperini – Atalanta (Serie A)  

Start Date: June 2016  

Tenure: ~8 years, 10 months  

Notable Achievements: Transformed Atalanta into a Champions League regular, reached Europa League quarter-finals (2020), won Europa League (2024).  

His attacking philosophy has made Atalanta a formidable side despite modest resources.

5.Thomas Frank – Brentford (Premier League)  

Start Date: October 2018  

Tenure: ~6 years, 6 months  

Notable Achievements: Promoted Brentford to the Premier League (2021), consistent mid-table finishes.  

Frank’s tactical flexibility has kept Brentford competitive among England’s elite.

6. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal (Premier League)  

Start Date: December 2019  

Tenure: ~5 years, 4 months  

Notable Achievements: 1 Premier League title (2023/24), 1 FA Cup (2020), 2 Community Shields.  

Arteta has rebuilt Arsenal into title contenders after early challenges.

7.Imanol Alguacil – Real Sociedad (La Liga)  

Start Date: December 2018  

Tenure: ~6 years, 4 months  

Notable Achievements: 1 Copa del Rey (2020), consistent European qualification.  

Alguacil has steadied Real Sociedad, making them a regular contender for European spots.

8. Simone Inzaghi – Inter Milan (Serie A)  

Start Date: June 2021  

Tenure: ~3 years, 10 months  

Notable Achievements: 1 Serie A title (2023/24), 2 Coppa Italia titles, reached Champions League final (2023).  

Inzaghi has thrived under financial constraints, keeping Inter competitive.

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9. Christian Ilzer – Sturm Graz (Bundesliga)  

Start Date: July 2020  

Tenure: ~4 years, 9 months  

Notable Achievements: 1 Austrian Bundesliga title (2023/24), 1 Austrian Cup (2023).  

Ilzer’s inclusion reflects the occasional overlap of top-tier leagues beyond the traditional five, with Sturm Graz’s European presence.

10. Unai Emery – Aston Villa (Premier League)  

Start Date: November 2022  

Tenure: ~2 years, 5 months  

Notable Achievements: Guided Aston Villa to Champions League qualification (2023/24), won Europa League with Villarreal (2021).  

Emery’s experience has revitalized Villa, making them a top-tier contender.