A list of PSG managers past and present: Who is the best?

A list of PSG managers past and present: Who is the best?

Kenneth Mwenda
May 28, 2024 at 1:04 PM
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Since its inception in 1970, Paris Saint-Germain has had numerous coaches who have steered the club's course. The list of PSG managers comprises top football masterminds known for their tactical acumen, each bringing their unique ideas to the team. The list includes some unforgettable names in the club's history, from Pierre Phelipon, who served as the inaugural manager, to the current head coach, Luis Enrique.

PSG former coaches Carlo Ancelotti and Unai Emery, and the current Luis Enrique
From left: PSG former coaches Carlo Ancelotti and Unai Emery, and the current Luis Enrique. Photos; Bertrand Guay / Jean Catuffe / Christian Liewig (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

The role of a PSG manager is to achieve domestic success and make significant strides on the European stage, a feat they have always been trying to achieve. Sports Brief lists the club's coaches and their achievements, as published by multiple credible sources.

A list of PSG managers

Throughout their time, the Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG) has been under many different leaders. Since it was founded, the team has had 32 coaches, 18 of whom managed to win at least one trophy.

Luis Enrique, a former professional player from Spain, is the current head coach as of May 2024. Below is an exhaustive compilation of all PSG coaches from 1970 to the present.

Manager

Duration

Nationality and other details

Luis Enrique

Jul. 2023 – Present

Spanish, born May 8, 1970

Christophe Galtier

Jul. 2022 – Jul. 2023

French, born August 23, 1966

Mauricio Pochettino

Jan. 2021 – Jul. 2022

Argentine, born March 2, 1972

Thomas Tuchel

Aug. 2018 – Dec. 2020

German, born August 29, 1973

Unai Emery

Aug. 2016 – May 2018

Spanish, born November 3, 1971

Laurent Blanc

Aug. 2013 – May 2016

French, born November 19, 1965

Carlo Ancelotti

Dec. 2011 – May 2013

Italian, born June 10, 1959

Antoine Kombouaré

Aug. 2009 – Dec. 2011

French, born November 16, 1963

Paul Le Guen

Jan. 2007 – May 2009

French, born March 1, 1964

Guy Lacombe

Jan. 2006 – Jan. 2007

French, born June 12, 1955

Laurent Fournier

Feb. 2005 – Dec. 2005

French, born September 14, 1964

Vahid Halilhodžić

Aug. 2003 – Feb. 2005

Bosnian, born May 15, 1952

Philippe Bergeroo

Mar. 1999 – Dec. 2000

French, born January 28, 1954

Alain Giresse

Jul. 1998 – Oct. 1998

French, born August 2, 1952

Ricardo

Aug. 1996 – May 1998

Brazilian, born December 13, 1964

Luis Fernández

Jul. 1994 – May 1996, Dec. 2000 – May 2003

French, born October 2, 1959

Artur Jorge

Jul. 1991 – May 1994, Oct. 1998 – Mar. 1999

Portuguese, born February 13, 1946 (died February 22, 2024)

Henri Michel

Jul. 1990 – May 1991

French, born October 28, 1947 (died April 24, 2018)

Tomislav Ivić

Jul. 1988 – May 1990

Croatian, born June 30, 1933 (died June 24, 2011)

Erick Mombaerts

Oct. 1987 – Dec. 1987

French, born April 21, 1955

Gérard Houllier

Jul. 1985 – Oct. 1987, Feb. 1988 – Jun. 1988

French, born September 3, 1947 (died December 14, 2020)

Christian Coste

Apr. 1985 – Jun. 1985

French, born February 23, 1949

Lucien Leduc

Jul. 1983 – Mar. 1984

French, born December 30, 1918 (died July 16, 2004)

Georges Peyroche

Nov. 1979 – Jun. 1983, Apr. 1984 – Mar. 1985

French, born January 27, 1937

Camille Choquier

Oct. 1979

French, born September 25, 1941

Pierre Alonzo

Aug. 1978 – Nov. 1978

French, born March 23, 1940

Jean-Michel Larqué

Aug. 1977 – Aug. 1978

French, born September 8, 1947

Ilija Pantelić

May 1977 – Jun. 1977

Serbian, born August 2, 1942 (died November 17, 2014)

Velibor Vasović

Aug. 1976 – May 1977, Nov. 1978 – Oct. 1979

Serbian, born October 3, 1939 (died March 4, 2002)

Just Fontaine

Sep. 1975 – Jun. 1976

French, born August 18, 1933 (died February 28, 2023)

Robert Vicot

Aug. 1972 – Aug. 1975

French, born October 29, 1931

Pierre Phelipon

Aug. 1970 – May 1972

French, born February 5, 1935

Who was the first PSG coach?

PSG's managerial journey started in August 1970 with Pierre Phelipon. As the club's inaugural coach, Phelipon was one of two player-coaches in PSG history, the other being Jean-Michel Larqué. In 1971, under Phelipon's tutelage, PSG clinched its first-ever trophy, the Ligue 2 crown.

Pierre Phelipon and Jean-Michel Larque
Pierre Phelipon (R), the first PSG manager, holds a shirt on February 5, 2020. Jean-Michel Larque (R) during a game on July 9, 2011. Photo: Nicolas Tucat, @PSG_inside (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Who is the longest-serving PSG manager?

Georges Peyroche holds the record for the most managerially extended stay at PSG. He managed the team for three years and seven months.

Under his stewardship, PSG won their first major honours by lifting the French Cup consecutively in 1982 and 1983. Later, Gérard Houllier led the club's milestone of their inaugural French Championship in 1986, which became a precursor for future achievements.

Who is the most successful PSG manager?

Laurent Blanc of PSG
Head coach Laurent Blanc of PSG directs his players during the UEFA Champions League R16, 2nd leg match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on March 9, 2016. Photo: Mike Hewitt
Source: Getty Images

Laurent Blanc is the most successful PSG coach in terms of trophies, having won 11 titles during his reign. His teams won domestic quadruples twice, the league, and the league cup in one season.

Spanish coach Unai Emery, who was PSG manager in 2017, is the second most successful with seven trophies, including a domestic quadruple, a domestic cup double, and a Super Cup. Thomas Tuchel, who led the club to its first UEFA Champions League final in 2020, is third with six titles, per Goal report.

PSG players who became managers

Mauricio Pochettino in Strasbourg, France
Mauricio Pochettino during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between RC Strasbourg and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade de la Meinau on April 29, 2022 in Strasbourg, France. Photo: Marcio Machado
Source: Getty Images

Several former PSG players have tried their luck in management and have had different success levels. Luis Fernández, Ricardo, and Mauricio Pochettino are some of the most famous.

Fernández won five trophies during his two stints with the club, including the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1996 and the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2001. Ricardo led them to win both domestic cups in 1998, while Pochettino helped them secure their tenth French title, a French Cup, and a French Super Cup.

PSG legends

Besides PSG's best managers, the club has had legendary footballers spearheading its progress. They include Zlatan Ibrahimović, Ronaldinho, George Weah, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé. These players also rank among the top 10 PSG players of all time.

Bernard Lama arguably tops the list of PSG's best goalkeepers. Other legendary keepers include Joël Bats, Salvatore Sirigu, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Trivia

Paris Saint Germain (PSG) has a history of managers with many interesting facts and notable events. The team has had different playing tactics and methods corresponding to its traditions and objectives.

How many managers has PSG had?

According to the records, 32 coaches have managed Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, but only 18 have won at least one trophy with the club.

Who is the most successful player in PSG?

The most successful player in PSG's history is Marco Verratti, who won 30 titles with the club.

On the list of PSG managers since 2000, who is most successful?

Laurent Blanc is PSG's most successful manager, with 11 trophies. He coached the club between 2013 and 2016.

Final word

The list of PSG managers accentuates the club's fortitude and evolution over various periods. As Paris Saint-Germain pursues victory in Europe and its homeland, every manager's heritage still counts in their history.

READ ALSO: Real Madrid managers and trophies: Who is the greatest Real Madrid manager?

Sports Brief published an article about the greatest Real Madrid managers. The club ranks among the best in the world and has attracted incredible coaches who have guided them to glory and left a legacy to admire. Click the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.