When Wolves announced the arrival of Vítor Pereira as their new coach, there were few surprised.
They have built a reputation for their close ties to both Portuguese managers and players, with super-agent Jorge Mendes often at the centre of their recruitment.
Pereira's arrival fits the mould, but it’s remarkable how many Portuguese managers have left their mark on the Premier League, both currently and historically.
Let’s look at the current crop and how they are performing, as well as some of the other Portuguese coaches who have made an impact in England.
Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
The appointment of Rúben Amorim at Manchester United was a bold move by the club.
Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, Amorim arrived from Sporting CP with a reputation for playing an exciting style of football.
Despite early struggles in the Premier League, Amorim’s United have shown flashes of brilliance, with his high-pressing game having yielded some positive results.
A 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Bournemouth at Old Trafford on the weekend didn't endear him to the fans, but he is at the start of a big project, and he will be given time.
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Marco Silva (Fulham)
Marco Silva has been a steady hand for Fulham, helping them establish themselves as a mid-table Premier League side.
Known for his attacking philosophy, Silva has revitalised Fulham’s style of play. Silva has done particularly well with sparking life into players who have lost their way at other clubs.
Think players like Aleksandar Mitrović, Eddie Nketiah and Alex Iwobi who have all blossomed under his guidance. Silva continues to work wonders on a modest budget, making Fulham one of the more entertaining teams to watch.
Nuno Espírito Santo (Nottingham Forest)
After stints at Wolves and Spurs, Nuno Espírito Santo took over at Nottingham Forest last season.
Tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League, Nuno brought defensive stability and tactical discipline to Forest. His pragmatic approach has seen them pull off impressive results against some of the league’s top sides.
His first season at Forest wasn't easy, but 2024 has been a revelation with Forest heading into Christmas in fourth place on the table and looking very solid in defence and exciting on attack.
Vítor Pereira (Wolves)
The latest Portuguese arrival in the Premier League, Vítor Pereira, brings a wealth of experience from his time at clubs like Porto and Fenerbahçe.
Known for his dynamic and adaptable tactics, Pereira has been tasked with stabilizing Wolves in what is proving to be a challenging season.
His focus on fluid attacking football could help Wolves climb the table - his first game in charge has already yielded three points and three goals.
José Mourinho
The original Portuguese trailblazer in the Premier League, José Mourinho, revolutionised English football during his time at Chelsea.
Winning three Premier League titles across two spells, Mourinho’s 'Special One' persona left an indelible mark.
His stints at Manchester United and Tottenham added to his English legacy, though they were less successful compared to his early years at Stamford Bridge.
André Villas-Boas
Dubbed the 'next Mourinho' following his arrival at Chelsea in 2011, André Villas-Boas struggled to replicate his mentor’s success. However, his tenure at Tottenham was more positive, showcasing his tactical flexibility.
While his Premier League career was brief, Villas-Boas remains a notable figure in the history of Portuguese managers in England.
Bruno Lage
Bruno Lage succeeded Nuno Espírito Santo at Wolves in 2021. Known for his attacking philosophy, Lage brought a fresh approach to the team.
Despite initial success, inconsistent performances led to his departure. However, his time at Wolves contributed to the growing legacy of Portuguese coaches in the Premier League.
Carlos Queiroz
Never a Premier league manager the Portuguese was a very influential figure at Old Trafford for much of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign.
Remembered as Ferguson’s assistant, Carlos Queiroz also managed at Real Madrid before returning to United.
His influence on Ferguson’s tactical setup and player development left a lasting impact, making him a respected figure in English football.
The influx of Portuguese managers has undeniably shaped the Premier League’s modern identity. From Mourinho’s early dominance to the current crop of talented tacticians, their influence continues to grow, bringing tactical innovation and flair to English football.
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