Pressure Mounts on Premier League Managers Amid Poor Performances
Pressure on football managers is a constant concern.
This weekend in the Premier League highlighted this reality, with Tottenham Hotspur's Thomas Frank and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner both facing increasing scrutiny for different reasons. Frank's position is precarious following a series of disappointing results, while Glasner, who is set to depart, has endured a 10-match winless streak. Following a loss to Sunderland, he claimed to feel "abandoned" by the club.
In a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to the title in May, was met with boos from fans after a 1-1 draw against struggling Burnley on Saturday.
This year has already seen two managers in the top flight lose their jobs, with Chelsea parting ways with Enzo Maresca on January 1 and Manchester United dismissing Ruben Amorim just five days into 2026.
Here, BBC Sport examines the various factors that contribute to the intense scrutiny faced by managers.
Failing to Meet Expectations
Winning is essential in football, so it is no surprise that a poor run of results is often the primary reason a manager is dismissed. The escalating financial stakes in top-tier football compel club owners to avoid the risks of relegation or missing out on European competition. This concern was evident when Everton sacked Sean Dyche in January of last year, as the Friedkin Group felt they could not jeopardize their Premier League revenue.
Similarly, Leeds United dismissed Javi Gracia with just four matches remaining in the 2022-23 season, appointing Sam Allardyce in a desperate bid to avoid relegation. Ultimately, relegation cost Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani £230 million, leading to a sale of his stake in the club for £170 million instead of the anticipated £400 million.
Losing Fan Support
When managers lose the backing of fans, particularly those present at matches, it often signals impending dismissal. Ange Postecoglou, in charge of Nottingham Forest for only three weeks and six games, faced chants of "sacked in the morning" from his own supporters. He was ultimately fired 17 minutes after a loss to Chelsea.
This weekend, Frank also felt the pressure as Spurs fans suggested he might be "sacked in the morning" during a 2-1 defeat to West Ham. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney remarked, "I felt for him; I have been in that position. It is a lonely place to be. The Tottenham fans have spoken, and when that happens, it looks like he will lose his job."
Alan Shearer, a former Newcastle striker, added, "He knows the rules; if you don’t win games, you are going to get sacked. He looked like a very tired man by the end." Tony Pulis, a former Stoke City manager, noted that match-going supporters possess a deep understanding of their team and have the right to voice criticism, which significantly influences decision-makers at clubs.
Conflict with Owners
Disagreements with club owners or other figures in the hierarchy can also lead to a manager's downfall. This was evident in Amorim's departure from Manchester United after he publicly criticized the board following a 1-1 draw with Leeds, challenging them to allow him to perform his role without interference.
Maresca was dismissed after a poor run of results jeopardized Chelsea's top-four aspirations, and he too faced consequences due to a conflict with the club's hierarchy. Nuno, who guided Forest into Europe last season, fell out with owner Evangelos Marinakis over transfer issues, leading to his dismissal. Brendan Rodgers officially resigned as Celtic manager earlier this season following a significant breakdown in his relationship with the board.
This weekend, Glasner criticized Crystal Palace's ownership, stating he felt "abandoned completely" in relation to the club's transfer strategy. Although he confirmed he would leave Palace at the end of the season, it remains to be seen if his remarks will hasten his departure. Rooney commented, "Once you speak against the owners, there is only one outcome."
Social Media Pressure and Pundit Influence
While fans often express their criticisms vocally online, social media pressure is typically not considered a significant factor in managerial dismissals. Pulis stated, "Criticism from fans on social media resonates only slightly compared to the impact of criticism from those who purchase season tickets and invest their time and money attending matches." However, social media can amplify pundits' remarks, leading to increased scrutiny on managers.
Just before his exit, Amorim suggested that individuals within Manchester United had become overly sensitive to external criticism, stating, "If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club." There are instances where a manager may face online abuse while still receiving support from match attendees. For example, Arsenal fans previously pressured the club to sack Mikel Arteta, yet now hope he will lead them to their first league title in a generation.
Social media can also hinder a manager's chances of securing a position. Gennaro Gattuso was considered for the Tottenham job in 2021 but was ultimately rejected following a social media campaign that included the hashtag #NoToGattuso.
Are Managerial Tenures Shortening?
Given the factors outlined, is the time allocated to managers decreasing? Postecoglou's 39-day tenure at Forest makes him the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history, just one day shorter than Les Reed's spell at Charlton in 2006. While five of the ten shortest managerial tenures have occurred since 2020, Colin Todd's time at Derby dates back to 2001-02.
Out of the 27 permanent Premier League managers appointed since the start of the 2023-24 season, 15 have already left their clubs, while 12 remain in charge.