Despite being just three games into the 2024/25 English Premier League season, the pressure is already starting to mount on several managers. Some early results have sparked intense speculation, with fans and pundits alike raising doubts over the futures of certain managers.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The relentless pace of the league and high stakes of each game means that even a poor start from just three fixtures can put a manager’s job in jeopardy, and in this article, we’re going to take a look at which manager is likely to be the first on the chopping block this season:
Sean Dyche (Everton) – 4.00
Everton have endured a dismal start to the 2024/25 season, remaining one of only two teams to have lost all of their first three matches while also conceding a league-high 10 goals in that time.
Following 3-0 and 4-0 defeats to Brighton and Tottenham in their first two games, they looked set to take their first points of the campaign as they led Bournemouth 2-0 going into the final minutes. However, Everton conceded in the 87th, 92nd and 96th minutes to unbelievably lose, a result that has seen Dyche’s position at Everton come under heavy scrutiny.
Although the board seem inclined to stick by Dyche, who navigated a challenging but successful 2023/24 season where they finished 15 (which would have been 12th if not for point deductions), his position could be in jeopardy if results do not improve after the international break.
Erik ten Hag (Manchester United) – 5.50
Unlike Dyche, Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United appeared to be coming to an end at the closing stages of last season after a highly disappointing campaign, recording their lowest-ever Premier League finish (8th) and a negative goal difference for the first time in Premier League history.
However, an undeniably fantastic FA Cup victory against Manchester City appeared to make the Man United board think twice about removing the Dutchman from his role, but they may be coming to regret that decision now.
Despite spending €214.50 million in the transfer window, Ten Hag’s side have shown very little improvement on the pitch, already losing two of their first three matches, including a devastating 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool in their most recent outing.
Similarly to Dyche, if results do not instantly improve after the international break, then Ten Hag could soon find himself out of a job.
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) – 8.00
Maresca is arguably rather unfortunate to find himself on this list, with Chelsea showing plenty of promising signs since the beginning of the season, especially in their 6-2 victory against Wolves on matchday two.
However, Chelsea have developed a reputation for frequently changing managers, and although performances have been largely promising, the results have been far from ideal so far, something that could land Maresca in danger of dismissal.
The new boss has won one, drawn one and lost one of Chelsea’s first three Premier League games, while also narrowly beating Servette 3-2 on aggregate in the Europa Conference League playoff round.
With a favourable run of matches ahead, pitting the Blues up against Bournemouth, West Ham, Brighton and Nottingham Forest, the results will have to start matching their strong performances if Maresca is to keep his job.
Russell Martin (Southampton) – 9.00
The only other team yet to take a point from their opening three Premier League matches is Southampton, who have lost all three matches with an aggregate score of 5-1.
They were unfortunate not to take points on the opening day against Newcastle as Martin’s side dominated at St James’ Park, taking 19 shots to Newcastle’s three, but they ultimately lost 1-0, and that has been followed by two subpar performances and two defeats to Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
Martin has stuck by his philosophy of playing out from the back that earned his side promotion into the Premier League last campaign, but the 38-year-old may have to switch up his tactics if he is to improve Southampton’s results and keep his spot in the driving seat….CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLE>>>
