Four managers sacked in seven weeks as EPL pressure mounts

The English Premier League has witnessed a managerial shake-up like no other this 2024/25 season, with four managers parting ways with their clubs in just seven weeks.

As the pressure to deliver results intensifies, the revolving door of managerial changes highlights the high stakes and cutthroat nature of one of football’s most competitive leagues.

All four dismissals were recorded within 49 days, from October 28, 2024, to December 15, 2024.

The pressure in the Premier League shows no signs of easing, as speculation swirls about who might be the next manager to face the axe.

With club owners growing increasingly impatient for results, every underwhelming performance intensifies scrutiny.

Momentum is building around potential candidates for dismissal, as fans and pundits alike dissect tactics, results and squad morale.

In a league where expectations are sky-high, the managerial hot seat has never been more volatile. It only begs the question: Who is the next to be fired with two of the managers getting sacked within a few hours difference on Sunday?

In this piece, PUNCH Online takes a look at the four managers who have been shown the exit door so far this EPL 2024/25 season.

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United

Former Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, was relieved of his duties after the club dropped to a lowly 14th in the table, marking their fourth defeat in nine league games.

The club, which has 20 top-flight league titles to its name, including 13 titles following the EPL’s rebranding in 1992, suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Brighton, Liverpool, Tottenham, and West Ham.

Due to the club’s lacklustre season start, the Dutch manager was replaced in late October 2024 by his assistant and former club striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy, as interim manager.

Nistelrooy bagged three wins and a draw.

Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

United currently sits in the 13th position on the log, with 22 points, under new manager Ruben Amorim. Their latest win was a late 2-1 thrilling comeback victory over archrivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Steve Cooper, Leicester City

2016 EPL-winning side Leicester City announced the sack of former manager Steve Cooper after the Foxes lost 2-1 at home against Chelsea in November 2024.

Leicester had a poor run in the domestic league, managing only two wins, four draws, and six losses.

The Welsh manager, who also coached Nottingham Forest, joined the Foxes on a three-year deal in June 2024 but failed to convincingly deliver with a five-game winless run in all competitions.

He took over from Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who guided Leicester to last season’s Championship title before joining Chelsea.

So far, Leicester has lost half of their total 16 league games this season, occupying the 17th position on the log—one position lower than what Cooper left them with at 16th.

However, they are two points above the relegation zone.

Gary O’Neil, Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves)

Wolves announced the sack of its manager, Gary O’Neil, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, after his appointment last year.

The club succumbed to four consecutive EPL defeats, losing two home games against Bournemouth and Ipswich and two at Everton and West Ham.

O’Neil’s last game for Wolves saw Algerian midfielder Rayan Ait-Nouri booked a red card after getting a second yellow card.

Wolves have lost 11 games with only two wins, sitting second from the table bottom with nine points from 16 games.

Russell Martin, Southampton

Newly promoted side Southampton on Sunday sacked Russell Martin after their embarrassing 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

The Saints endured the defeat before their fans at the St. Mary’s Stadium, further compounding their wretched run of 13 losses in the domestic league.

In a statement, the club said it had taken the “difficult decision to part ways” with Martin, however, citing the “urgency of needing results to improve.”

While speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Martin, 38, noted that he was hurt as the team conceded five first-half goals to Tottenham.

The table bottom dwellers are rooted to the bottom of the table, nine points from safety.

BBC Sports reports that Martin guided the Saints to promotion last year in his first season in charge, beating Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley.

Pep Guardiola: Could success turn sour?

Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Spaniard delivering multiple EPL titles, domestic trophies and a long-awaited Champions League triumph.

Despite signing a new contract, even the most successful managers aren’t immune to the pressures of modern football.

A dip in form or failure to meet the club’s lofty ambitions could put Guardiola under unexpected scrutiny.

While his position currently seems secure, the relentless nature of the domestic league means no manager is entirely safe from the chopping block.

The six-time champions has managed only eight wins, three draws and suffered five losses this season. They are fifth on the table, nine points behind table leaders, Liverpool.