Premier League 2025-26

[J70]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/01/10/why-it-makes-no-difference-if-you-sack-the-manager/


transformative managers are rare. Barring the occasional exception like Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, clubs appointing a new manager in mid-season are fishing in a pool of the mediocre and the unemployed. Twenty First Group finds that just two per cent of coaches meaningfully improve a team's underlying performance over the long term.

In June, Tottenham paid Brentford £10m to recruit Thomas Frank as manager. Only six months later, Spurs are reportedly considering paying £20m to sack Frank. One explanation is that Frank has suddenly morphed from an outstanding coach into a mediocre one. Another one is more compelling: Frank's results largely reflect the quality of the structure around him.

Thomas Frank worked wonders at Brentford largely because of the quality of the structure around him, something he is lacking at Spurs Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones

Frank's departure from Brentford after seven successful years prompted fears about how the club would fare under Keith Andrews, their former set-piece coach who had never been a head coach. Instead, Brentford now lie in fifth, nine places above Spurs. Predictions that Brighton and Hove Albion would struggle after Graham Potter and then Roberto De Zerbi left proved equally ill-founded.

Advertisement

Whether in the success of Brentford and Brighton, or the continued underperformance of Tottenham and United, managers reflect the quality of the institutions around them. Twenty First Group shows that the correlation between how an individual head coach performs when he moves clubs is far weaker than the correlation between how one coach at a club performs and his successor. To gauge how well a coach will fare in his new job, the best predictor is how well his predecessor performed.

The urge to sack managers ignores an unpalatable truth: underperforming clubs' problems extend far beyond the manager alone. In the 13 years since Ferguson's departure, Manchester United fans have repeatedly learnt this bitter truth.

In addition to the club structure, there is also the match between the coach and the players and even fans. What works at one club will not necessarily with another, outside of the rare geniuses like Ferguson, Pep, Klopp, Cruyff, Shankly etc. There are so many variables that go into it that apart from those type of men, there are no guarantees of improvement, never mind success.

Xabi Alonso did an amazing job at Leverkusen and looks to have the makings of an elite coach for years to come, but again, there's no guarantee. He just got fired by Real Madrid where his hand's on, drill-them-like-f**k approach didn't gel with superstar player power and influence. Just not a good match, unlike someone like Ancellotti who invites much more player input.

[tiempo]

Alonso was 4 points off Barca with a 70% win rate, crazy sacking tied to player power, lads stalling on contracts till he was gone

Timing is a key intangible in the alchemy of sport, perhaps right man wrong time and knowing Madrid they could have him back if hes still punching and on the scene in 10-15 years

[imtommygunn]

Anything i read suggests that he wasn't sacked and that he more or less left of his own accord. Mbappe seemed to be the catalyst for his disgruntlement.

[Armagh18]

Anything i read suggests that he wasn't sacked and that he more or less left of his own accord. Mbappe seemed to be the catalyst for his disgruntlement.

Seems to be a toxic little twat that one, who has achieved feck all really since 2018 bar a good last 20 minutes against Argentina in 2018. Don't think it's a coincidence thag PSG won when he left

[quit yo jibbajabba]

I don't think vinicius Jr is the best either from the bits I read chaps

[mackers]

I see Klopp being linked with the Real job.  I'd say he'll give it a wide berth.

[Armagh18]

I see Klopp being linked with the Real job.  I'd say he'll give it a wide berth.

If he's any sense he would. Don't think he'd get on well with the egos there.

[J70]

I'd be amazed if Klopp went there. Mega-charismatic and amiable he may be, but he rules with an iron fist. Can't see how he'd be compatible with that egomaniacal dressing room.

[statto]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4g0ey1m8v9o

Given the position they are in would think that they will get some reinforcements up top.  If Watkins got injured they are in bother.  They did some good business last January getting a Rashford trying to get to Barcelona and Asensio.  Not sure why they didn't try get Asensio on a permanent deal. 

[tiempo]

The saves Donnarumma made at Villa Park to get PSG through in the CL will go down in the annals, 1 on 1 against Asensio who was on loan from PSG, heart in the mouth stuff for the decision makers at PSG, in truth the CL was won in the January transfer window with the signing of Kvaratskhelia but you'll hear the usual 'no-one available in January' trope year in year out, the players are out there in abundance, the teams at the top of the leagues/CL have recruited better (players and mgmt) simple as that

[lurganblue]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4g0ey1m8v9o

Given the position they are in would think that they will get some reinforcements up top.  If Watkins got injured they are in bother.  They did some good business last January getting a Rashford trying to get to Barcelona and Asensio.  Not sure why they didn't try get Asensio on a permanent deal. 

If Rumours are to be believed then they are working to get Tammy Abraham back in at VP.  The Malen one is strange though as he has been an effective backup this year, scoring some important goals.  The player clearly wanted to start games.  Could all come back to bite villa in Europe if they meet.

I think Asensio was high on the list during the summer but they didnt get it done due to financial issues.

No such issues for Citeh who now turn their attention to Ghehi. What 115 charges...

[statto]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4g0ey1m8v9o

Given the position they are in would think that they will get some reinforcements up top.  If Watkins got injured they are in bother.  They did some good business last January getting a Rashford trying to get to Barcelona and Asensio.  Not sure why they didn't try get Asensio on a permanent deal. 

If Rumours are to be believed then they are working to get Tammy Abraham back in at VP.  The Malen one is strange though as he has been an effective backup this year, scoring some important goals.  The player clearly wanted to start games.  Could all come back to bite villa in Europe if they meet.

I think Asensio was high on the list during the summer but they didnt get it done due to financial issues.

No such issues for Citeh who now turn their attention to Ghehi. What 115 charges...

Abraham had a good spell there previously, but has been badly hampered by injuries since left Chelsea. 

[Blowitupref]

I see Klopp being linked with the Real job.  I'd say he'll give it a wide berth.

I see under caretaker manager Álvaro Arbeloa Real Madrid was knocked out of the cup by a 2nd division team the other night.

[Look-Up!]

I'd start to worry if I were an Arsenal fan. City have strengthened nicely both in defense and attack. If they avoid major injuries they'll push the gunners hard. Hopefully they don't wilt.

[mrdeeds]

I'd start to worry if I were an Arsenal fan. City have strengthened nicely both in defense and attack. If they avoid major injuries they'll push the gunners hard. Hopefully they don't wilt.

500 million spent in a year facing 115 charges. Seems legit.