Recent Coaching Changes in Major Football Clubs

Enzo Maresca was the first to be dismissed as the managerial axe fell at Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day. Ruben Amorim followed shortly after, relieved of his duties by the Premier League giants at Old Trafford on January 5. A week later, Xabi Alonso concluded his 34-game tenure at Santiago Bernabéu.

There are ongoing questions regarding how long Slot will remain at the helm of Liverpool, despite leading the club to title glory during his debut season. The 2025-26 campaign has proven to be challenging for Liverpool.

Former Reds star Alonso is now available for hire, having reportedly been a top candidate for Liverpool’s management position when they sought a successor to Jurgen Klopp in 2024. Slot is acutely aware of the pressure he faces in such a demanding role.

However, he does not attribute the recent wave of managerial sackings to the involvement of sporting directors. Addressing reporters, he stated: “Is it a change compared to three, four, five, six years ago? I don’t actually know; I can only speak for myself. I have worked for three years at my first club, was supposed to work four years at my second club, worked three years at my third club, and now here for one-and-a-half years.

“The clubs you mentioned (Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid) have a significant history. So I cannot confirm if anything has changed. I observe some managers maintaining long tenures at clubs, such as Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

“There will always be examples of managers with lengthy stints at a club and those who do not last long. But Carlo Ancelotti had a long tenure at Real Madrid, right?

“I have no idea if this is related to the sporting director model. It could be, but your question has taken me by surprise. I have not given it much thought.”

Slot was appointed as Liverpool’s first head coach, a role that differentiates from the traditional manager’s position by distributing responsibility and leadership rather than concentrating it solely on one individual.

He elaborated, saying: “In England, there is a distinction between a manager and a head coach, whereas in other countries, the title typically refers to a head coach. As I mentioned, Ancelotti worked for a long time at Madrid, and other managers have done so as well.

“It is not common for Real Madrid to sack a manager at such an early stage of their career. We will see if this trend continues, but there are certainly other examples.”

Under Slot’s guidance, Liverpool has achieved a commendable 12-match unbeaten streak, dating back to November 26. However, the team has struggled to secure victories, with four consecutive draws in the Premier League.

In their last match, relegation-threatened Burnley managed to leave Anfield with a point, resulting in a disappointing 1-1 draw that was met with boos from the home crowd. Slot is under pressure to prove his value and will be eager for his side, bolstered by the return of Mohamed Salah from Africa Cup of Nations duty, to regain their winning form against Marseille in their upcoming Champions League fixture on Wednesday.