The Sack Race: Postecoglou, Pep and O'Neil under fire as the Premier League gets heated
Picture of Ange Postecoglou Via Wikimedia Commons
By Jamie Farley
As we approach the midway point of the Premier League season a few managers find themselves under serious scrutiny and pressure. Combine this with the harsh and unpredictable environment of the Premier League which has been a burial ground for some of Europe’s most sought-after coaches, Such as Jose Mourinho, Erik Ten Hag, and Antonio Conte.
There is bound to be some managerial drama in the coming months as we look into the three Premier League managers who are struggling at the helm.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou on the sidelines as his Spurs side fumble their lead against rivals Chelsea (Sebastian Frej/MB Media)
In summer 2023 former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou made the switch to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs after two hugely successful seasons with the Scottish champions. While there, he picked up a Domestic double in his first season followed by a treble in the second, and final season in his short tenure before departing for Tottenham. He made a strong start to life in London, picking up big results against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United to sail the London club to a respectable fifth-place finish achieving European football. However, things have not been so smooth sailing for Postecoglou as he currently sits 11th in the premier league with some shocking results, losing to 18th-place Ipswich Town at home and most recently letting a 2-0 lead slip against city rivals Chelsea. The Blues capitalized on an overall poor Spurs performance as they cruised to a 4-3 win.
These results and Postecoglou’s stubbornness to change the high tempo and attractive brand of football that previously gained results, has seen an immense influx of criticism sprung upon the head coach as many fans have given the name ‘Poste-no-clue’. Spurs will continue to back Postecoglou as they advance to a big game against Postecoglou’s former rivals Rangers in the Europa League. Both clubs have underachieved in the league so far. However, they have both seen more luck in Europe as both clubs currently sit within the top ten of the competition.
Gary O’Neil
Gary O’Neil during Wolves’ match against West Ham (Jack Thomas - WWFC)
Pressure has ramped on Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil with Wolves taking on West Ham on Monday night in a game dubbed ‘el sackico’ as both managers were in extremely hot water running up to it. With earlier reports stating that West Ham were prepared to give head coach Julen Lopetegui ‘one more chance’ ahead of the match against Wolves. However, in the end it was Lopetegui's side that collected all three points, buying himself more time in charge and making Gary O'Neil's chances of survival look slim.
Given Wolves’ poor form winning just two games out of 15 this season and a frightening defensive record having conceded 38 goals in 15 games so far this season more than any other team in the league it is no surprise that many are calling for O'Neil's job. A few fans have been supportive of O’Neil claiming that the lack of summer business has led to this lack in quality and depth throughout the squad. With the loss of two key players in Pedro Neto and Max Kilman to Chelsea and West Ham for a combined fee of around £90 million, with only £30 million spent on new arrivals.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola watching on as his Manchester City side lose 2-0 to Juventus in the UEFA Champions League (Image Photo Agency)
The biggest surprise of the premier league season thus far is the downfall of Guardiola’s Manchester City. Widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time and one that would appear ‘unsackable.’ Yet, given the current form many are coming for Guardiola with Liverpool fans even singing ‘sacked in the morning’ following City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
The Spaniard has garnered immense success during his time in Manchester, winning six premier League titles in an eight-year period. However, fortunes have changed this season as the side have only picked up one win from their last nine matches as they currently sit fourth in the table eight points shy of leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand over the side.
Guardiola has told the media that there will be no club for him after Manchester City. He perhaps sees his future in international management after three majorly successful stints in club football with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, picking up 12 league titles, 16 domestic cups and three champions leagues along the way as he remains the first and only manager to win a Continental treble twice.