The Coaching Carousel in the Premier League: An Overview

One thing that this last month has taught us; no manager’s position is safe in the Premier League (or in any league for that matter). At the time of writing this, we have seen 5 coaches axed, 4 of whom have gone in the last month.

Two came in the space of a day last weekend, albeit under contrasting situations. The previous break saw Xisco Muñoz be the first to go, with Claudio Ranieri taking the place of the Spaniard at Watford. However, since then, there has been quite the manager dismissals.

Here is a rundown of what has happened since in the Premier League.
Newcastle United and the departure of Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce was sacked at Newcastle one match after the last break with the Magpies’ new ownership aiming to bring the club back to its glory days. This came as little surprise as it was widely reported that Bruce’s time at St. James’ Park was coming to an end soon.

They are the only team left in the league without a win so far this season (across all competitions). With the recent announcement of Eddie Howe as the new gaffer, Newcastle fans can have something to look forward to.

Spurs and their replacement of Santo for Conte

Nuno Espirito Santo was the next man to be sent packing. The Portuguese was at the Spurs helm for just 17 games in the span of 4 months. They are already well out of the title race just 11 games in but are still left in the EFL Cup and are in a better spot in the Europa Conference League to progress out of the group stages.

The better news? They finally have the man they wanted from last summer.  Antonio Conte is back in the Prem, hoping to work the same magic he did in his previous league spell with Chelsea.

The back-to-back departures of Farke and Smith

Then came two quick sackings: starting with bottom side Norwich City, Daniel Farke was thanked for his services despite the German overseeing the club’s first league win of the season earlier that day.

As reported on The Athletic, Farke’s sacking was going to happen irrespective of what happened at Brentford. No new manager has yet been announced at Carrow Road, but they are certainly searching.

Just a day later, Dean Smith joined Farke in the manager sacking carousel. The now-former Aston Villa man ran out of time to turn fortunes around at Villa Park, with 5 losses on the spin and are just out of the relegation places.

Days later, Villa announced their replacement, snagging Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard from Rangers. Gerrard has proved himself during his time in Glasgow and will now have the opportunity to show that he has what it takes in England’s top-flight.

More Premier League managers expected to meet the same fate

Of course, there may only be 5 managers officially gone, but there are some who are still under intense pressure. Of course, the first person to come to mind is Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. It has been very inconsistent for United, with damaging losses to Liverpool and their City rivals (I’m sorry, I had to).

While a 3-0 success at Tottenham may have temporarily eased the situation at Old Trafford, unconvincing performances in the Champions League against Atalanta has not helped either. Many think it will only be a matter of time before Solksjaer’s days with the Red Devils come to an end. At this point, it seems like, not if he will go but rather when.

Other Premier League managers in the hot seat

To tie into Solksjaer’s seemingly imminent firing, there are other coaches who may leave their club to upgrade, so to speak. Brendan Rodgers is the next name that comes to mind. Rodgers has led Leicester from a mid-table side to one now fighting for European places.

Over the last 2 campaigns, the Foxes have just narrowly missed out on Champions League football, being pipped in the final days. An FA Cup success also has given Rodgers more legitimacy as well. Should United decide to make a change in the gaffer role, could the Northern Irishman be given his big chance?

With this all in mind the question is, who will next to be axed? As mentioned, Solksjaer is everyone’s favourite to go next, but could there be a surprise to beat him to it?

Although it is hard to see anyone else currently under any serious threat to be sacked, as we often hear about the Premier League, anything can happen.