Only six managers in modern football have ever finished a league season above a team coached by Pep Guardiola, a striking statistic given his dominance across spells with FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City F.C.

Across 17 seasons as a senior manager, Guardiola has won 12 league titles, finished second three times, and placed third twice. Yet on the rare occasions he has been beaten over a full campaign, it has taken elite managerial performances to do so.

According to Planet Football on Thursday, these are the six managers who beat the Spaniard to the league race.

1. Jose Mourinho breaks Barcelona’s dominance (2011-12)

Jose Mourinho was the first to finish ahead of Guardiola, doing so in the 2011-12 La Liga season with Real Madrid CF.

After Guardiola’s Barcelona won three consecutive league titles between 2008 and 2011, Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid sparked one of football’s fiercest rivalries. In his second season, Madrid claimed the title with a record 100 points, finishing nine ahead of Barcelona despite a stunning 50-goal campaign from Lionel Messi.

1. Antonio Conte delivers instant Premier League success (2016-17)

Antonio Conte became the second manager on the list when he led Chelsea to the 2016-17 Premier League title.

That season marked Guardiola’s first in England with Manchester City. After early inconsistency, Chelsea’s tactical shift to a back three triggered a dominant run of form, with the Blues eventually finishing 15 points clear of City.

1. Mauricio Pochettino pushes Spurs to historic finish (2016-17)

Mauricio Pochettino also finished ahead of Guardiola in the same 2016-17 campaign, guiding Tottenham Hotspur F.C. to second place.

Spurs produced one of their strongest modern seasons, powered by the attacking core of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Son Heung-min, and Christian Eriksen, finishing comfortably above City.

1. Jurgen Klopp ends City’s dominance (2019-20)

Jürgen Klopp is also of one of the managers to have beaten Guardiola in EPL title races.

After narrowly missing out in 2018-19 with Liverpool F.C., Klopp returned stronger the following season, delivering the 2019-20 Premier League title with a commanding 99-point campaign, finishing 18 points ahead of City.

1. Slot continues Liverpool’s success (2024-25)

Arne Slot also joins the list after guiding Liverpool to the 2024-25 Premier League title.

His side capitalised on a rare downturn for City following their dominant four-year stretch, convincingly securing the championship.

1. Arteta makes history with Arsenal

For more than two decades, Arsenal fans waited for this moment.

Years of heartbreak, near misses, failed rebuilds, and painful title races have finally ended as Arsenal secured their first Premier League crown in 22 years under Mikel Arteta.

The 2025/26 Premier League triumph marks one of the greatest comeback stories in modern English football.

Arteta with Arsenal establishing himself as the most consistent challenger to Guardiola’s dominance in recent seasons.

Together, these six managers represent the rare group who have managed to outpace one of football’s most successful coaches over a full league campaign.