Eight most under pressure managers in European football…
It’s worth sparing a thought at this time of year for those managers that are in football’s most high pressured jobs. League standings have been established, some team’s have already exited certain competitions, and trophy prospects have been analysed.
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While many fear for those in charge of teams struggling in a relegation scrap, Europe’s super powers are also focused on determining whether they have the right man in charge.
Here are eight giants whose bosses might have reason to fear for their jobs this winter:
8) Louis van Gaal (Manchester United)
It seems unlikely that United will change manager mid-way through the season for a second successive year, especially after two decades of stability. However, it’s worth remembering that the Dutchman has overseen the club’s worst start since 1986 and seen his club humbled in the League Cup by MK Dons. Having also spent over £150m in the summer window, club officials will expect to see a turnaround in results sooner rather than later.
7) Leonardo Jardim (AS Monaco)
Having taken over the French giants at the start of the season, expectation was high for a manager with an extremely successful track record across Europe. However, the league season could not have started much worse, with four defeats in their first eight games. Things have steadily improved, and they look set to qualify out of the Champions League group stage, but they remain eighth in Ligue 1 as things stand.
6) Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund)
After several successful years, in which he has taken Dortmund to a title win and a Champions League final, things have somewhat fallen apart for Klopp this season. With just seven points in their first ten league games, they sit second bottom of the table and in the midst of a relegation battle. In contrast, they have four wins out of four in the Champions League, and have already sealed qualification to the knockout stages.
5) Luis Enrique (Barcelona)
Things started so well for Enrique at Barcelona, as his team took seven wins and a draw from their first eight league games. But after being humbled by Real Madrid, and being shocked by Celta Vigo, they have fallen to fourth in the La Liga table. In the Champions League, they are behind Paris Saint Germain in their group, and face the possibility of a lower seeding in the knockout stages. A difficult Christmas period could have him in trouble.
4) Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool)
The Liverpool boss has struggled to help his team recreate last season’s form, with the departure of Luis Suarez and the injury issues of Daniel Sturridge not helping his cause. Many of his summer signings have struggled to impress, particularly £16m striker Mario Balotelli, who has not come close to replicating the goals of the SAS. His recent Champions League team selection against Real Madrid has also raised eyebrows.
3) Rafael Benitez (Napoli)
After crashing out of the Champions League in the qualification rounds, the pressure has been mounting on the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss. League form has also been mixed, with Napoli sitting fifth in Serie A, although they are on a seven match unbeaten run, and recently surprised title chasing Roma.
2) Walter Mazzarri (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan look a completely different entity to the team that was winning the Champions League under Jose Mourinho only five years ago. After several difficult years, they are down again in their current campaign, sitting in ninth place in Serie A, with just four wins from their first ten games.
1) Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City)
Champions League success is all that will do for the City owners. Despite winning the double last season, a group stage exit in Europe this season could well see the end of Pellegrini’s time at the Etihad Stadium. Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat by CSKA Moscow leaves the Manchester club bottom of their group, and needing something of a miracle to qualify. Add in a mixed start to the Premier League season, and a League Cup exit, and it’s looking pretty dark for the domestic champions.
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