Erik ten Hag made headlines on Monday by becoming the first Premier League manager to be let go this season, setting the stage for what could be a turbulent few months for others at risk.
For some, the fact that Manchester United waited this long was the real surprise, given the team’s struggles and disappointing results so far. Yet, with Ten Hag’s departure, other managers may now be nervously looking over their shoulders.
His exit is likely just the beginning, as pressure builds across the league. With some big clubs underperforming and several others at risk near the relegation zone, the season’s progression often comes with difficult decisions. Owners and board members might be considering whether a new leader could provide the necessary spark to lift their teams’ fortunes.
The timing is important, too. With winter approaching and the number of games steadily increasing, a club in the lower part of the table may feel the need for drastic changes to keep their heads above water. In the 2022 season, only three managers were dismissed during the campaign, but in 2021, a staggering 14 lost their jobs. This year, it’s uncertain if we’ll see another high number, but the pressure is certainly there.
The weekend’s games will mark the season hitting double figures in terms of matches played, meaning we’re nearly a third of the way through. Clubs struggling for results may soon decide it’s time for a change if they want to turn things around before the season progresses too far. With all this in mind, Mirror Football has highlighted some managers who could be the next to face the axe.
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Gary O’Neil, the current Wolves manager, is one name on the list of those feeling the heat. After a promising first season, he’s yet to secure a win this time around, leaving fans and management concerned. Wolves have shown competitive flashes, even giving Manchester City a tough fight recently, but they’ve still fallen short. A string of matches against teams in the bottom half of the table now offers O’Neil a chance to turn things around.
The Wolves leadership may feel the risk of relegation creeping closer, particularly since they haven’t yet earned a single point at home. With these crucial games on the horizon, the Wolves team and fans alike will be hoping for a breakthrough. A failure to pick up wins in the upcoming matches, however, might leave management feeling that a change is necessary.
Russell Martin, the manager of Southampton, is also under pressure despite leading the team to promotion. Southampton returned to the Premier League via the playoffs, and while Martin’s approach worked wonders in the Championship, it’s been less effective in the top tier. Currently, the Saints find themselves struggling at the very bottom of the table.
With only one point from nine games, Southampton’s situation is precarious. Their lone point came against Ipswich, another newly-promoted team, and their next game against Wolves could be crucial. If Southampton loses to Wolves, the result could have significant implications for Martin’s future.
Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace was initially tipped to lead the team toward a potential European spot this season. After a successful run last season, the expectations were high. However, Palace has not been able to break into the top six so far, and their struggles have kept them from realizing that early-season promise.
The summer loss of Michael Olise impacted the team, but they still managed to retain the core of their squad. A recent win against Tottenham relieved some of the pressure on Glasner. Still, should Palace fail in their next match, the whispers around his position may start again, testing his standing with the club’s leadership.
Julen Lopetegui is another high-profile manager whose recent appointment at West Ham brought big expectations. The former Sevilla boss and Europa League winner seemed like a fantastic choice for the Hammers. Yet, the team has not managed to reach the expected heights, finding themselves mid-table despite some significant new signings.
Though West Ham secured two wins in their last three games, moving them away from the relegation zone, there’s a sense that Lopetegui hasn’t yet met the club’s high expectations. As the season progresses, the pressure will likely increase if the team remains in the middle of the pack.
Kieran McKenna, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s safest managers, despite managing one of the league’s smaller clubs, Ipswich Town. Since moving on from his role as an assistant at Old Trafford, McKenna has guided Ipswich through two consecutive promotions, bringing the club back into the spotlight.
Ipswich may be punching above their weight, but they’ve already had some impressive moments, including a comeback to draw with Aston Villa. While McKenna has plenty of trust from Ipswich’s board, he’s aware that every manager in the Premier League is subject to pressure, especially if his team struggles for wins as the season progresses.
As the season moves forward, the managers on this list will be fighting hard to secure their positions, knowing full well that Premier League boardrooms can be unforgiving. The stakes are high, and every match brings the possibility of a new managerial shake-up in England’s top league.
