Top 5 Liverpool Managers of All Time

The Anfield dugout has been blessed with the presence of some legendary names over the years, but who stands out as the greatest Liverpool manager ever?

By Sportypoll Staff I June 4, 2025

Liverpool FC’s position as one of England and Europe’s most decorated clubs is undeniable. The Reds boast a trophy cabinet brimming with silverware and a managerial pantheon filled with legends. Amidst the 21 managers who have graced the Anfield touchline, only a select few have truly etched their names into the club’s folklore. This is a tribute to five iconic figures who have cemented their legacy as the most successful managers for the Merseyside giants, standing tall amidst the echoes of the roaring Kop.

After a thorough look at Liverpool’s illustrious history, these five names came up as the finest managerial talents the club has ever had.

5. Joe Fagan (1983-1985)

Liverpool Manager Joe Fagan (r) walks off the pitch with Graham Souness (l) after their team’s draw with Everton.

Joe Fagan took charge of the Liverpool senior team in 1983, but he had been part of the club for a long time before that. He got his start in the club in 1958 by managing the reserves. Thirteen years later, Fagan was appointed to the senior coaching staff by Bob Paisley. Over time, he got promoted to the position of Paisley’s deputy. Once Paisley retired, Fagan stepped into his shoes.

More than just a manager, Fagan was a symbol of the club’s soul. This unwavering faith fuelled his success. His intimate knowledge of the team, which he built over years of service, was also decisive.

His biggest achievements came in 1984 when Liverpool clinched both the English Championship and the European Cup. Fagan retired shortly before the tragic 1985 European Cup final, where the dreadful events of the Heysel disaster overshadowed the match’s outcome.

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4. Kenny Dalglish (1985-1991, 2011-12)

Kenny Dalglish was already a legend at the club when he replaced Joe Fagan as the Liverpool manager. He had won the First Division six times wearing the Reds shirt and lifted the European Cup three times. Dalglish was the first manager in the club’s history to have played for the club, so the expectations were incredibly high.

The Scotsman lived up to the lofty aspirations of the Liverpool faithful as he won the league three times during his six-year tenure. A cruel twist of fate robbed Dalglish of the opportunity to showcase his managerial brilliance on the European stage. When Dalglish managed the club for the first time, Liverpool were barred from participating in European competitions due to the Heysel disaster.

His second stint as a manager was a forgettable one, however. He came in mid-season to replace Roy Hudgson and won the League Cup, but he could not inspire the Reds to finish above eighth. Nonetheless, his dismal second stint could not diminish his reputation as one of the best Liverpool managers of all time.

3. Jurgen Klopp (2015-2024)

Jurgen Klopp is thrown in the air after the award ceremony held after the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League Final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wanda Metropolitano.

Jurgen Klopp didn’t inherit a Liverpool team at the peak of its success. When the charismatic German arrived, the club appeared to have moved far beyond its glory days. Yet, Klopp remained steadfast in his belief that he could awaken the dormant giant, and indeed, he succeeded.

Klopp’s gegenpressing magic and his talent for bringing the best out of unheralded gems transformed Liverpool. The likes of Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have thrived under his guidance, powering the Reds to a barnstorming run that secured their first Champions League final berth since 2007.

Despite their defeat to Real Madrid, Klopp remained determined to lift the elusive trophy. Klopp and Liverpool swiftly achieved redemption by winning the Champions League just one season later.

The Reds’ march for glory went on as they ended their 30-year domestic title drought the next season. Liverpool won the Premier League with a whopping 18 points lead in the 2019/20 season. The Merseysiders might feel unfortunate not to have secured the league title on two additional occasions under Klopp, having finished in second place despite accumulating over 90 points in both the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons.

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2. Bob Paisley (1974-83)

Bob Paisley, in his last season before retirement, lifts the Milk Cup after his team’s 2-1 victory against Manchester United.

Bob Paisley narrowly misses out on the ‘greatest Liverpool manager of all time’ crown. When Bill Shankly stepped down in 1974, Paisley, a key member of Shankly’s famous backroom staff, was appointed as his successor. Paisley went on one of the most incredible silverware runs in European football history that yielded 20 trophies in nine seasons.

He played a pivotal role in forging the formidable partnership between Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush. Paisley also brought in players like Graeme Souness and Ronnie Whelan, who were instrumental in Liverpool’s success.

1. Bill Shankly (1959-1974)

Bill Shankly crouches by the trophies that his team won the previous season, including the League Championship trophy and the FA Charity Shield, as his players line up in the background: (l-r) Ian St John, Ian Callaghan, Roger Hunt, Gordon Milne, Peter Thompson, Ron Yeats, Chris Lawler, Tommy Smith, Geoff Strong, Gerry Byrne, Willie Stevenson, Tommy Lawrence.

Bill Shankly was a visionary who transformed Liverpool’s identity. Though his trophy cabinet may not seem as glittering by modern standards, his influence is undeniable. Inheriting a struggling side which was languishing in the second division in 1959, Shankly didn’t just instil winning; he instilled belief and laid the foundation for the club’s future dominance.

Ruthless cuts were made, the right additions secured, and every facet of the club underwent a revolution. He orchestrated a remarkable resurrection alongside his “Boot Room” lieutenants: Paisley, Fagan, and Bennett. The 1962 Second Division title marked the dawn of a new era, followed by an FA Cup triumph in 1965 and the ultimate prize: the league title in 1966. Shankly had built an empire from the ashes.

Shankly is regarded as the finest manager, not just because of his achievements, but also his modesty. He had a close relationship with the fans and consistently placed them above everything else. His principles played a key role in making Liverpool one of the most successful clubs in England and Europe.