Upcoming Managerial Changes in Premier League Amid World Cup
A summer of managerial changes may be on the horizon, fueled by the World Cup, expiring contracts, and clubs actively seeking new leadership.
Crystal Palace is set to find a replacement for Oliver Glasner, who will depart at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Manchester United's manager, Michael Carrick, is only contracted until June.
With the World Cup approaching, it is anticipated that numerous coaching changes will occur at the international level, adding an element of intrigue to the managerial landscape.
“It’s going to be interesting because fans of certain clubs that need managers will be wondering, ‘Can we get that person or that person?’” said former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The World Cup adds nuance to the situation, with some managers potentially becoming available at what seems to be the perfect time. Others will be focused on performing well for their nations during the tournament. It’s an exciting time, and it feels like a reset is imminent at many clubs.”
In light of this, BBC Sport examines the current managerial landscape, identifying those who are out of work and those expected to become available.
Which Premier League Managers Are Set to Be Free?
On Friday, Crystal Palace manager Glasner announced his departure upon the expiration of his contract at the season's end. Sources informed BBC Sport that Glasner was offered a new deal last summer, but he confirmed to chairman Steve Parish in October that he would not sign a new contract.
Fulham's Marco Silva is also facing an uncertain future, as his contract ends at the conclusion of the season. Silva has been at the helm since 2021, successfully guiding the team from the Championship to the Premier League, where they achieved their best points tally last season.
Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is another manager whose future is in doubt, as he is likely to leave unless he extends his contract. Iraola has been linked to top managerial positions at clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, suggesting he will have options if he chooses to seek a new challenge.
Who Could Be Without a Job After the World Cup?
International tournaments often signal the end of managerial tenures, and even without dismissals, several coaches are expected to leave their positions following the World Cup.
When Thomas Tuchel took over as England manager last January, he signed an 18-month deal, which means he is set to depart in July, although he has expressed a willingness to extend his contract.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino , currently leading co-hosts United States, is also anticipated to conclude his tenure at the end of the tournament. Pochettino previously guided Spurs to a Champions League final in 2019 and won Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before transitioning to international management.
Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps is leading France for the fourth time at a World Cup. Having won the tournament in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, Deschamps’ current contract is set to expire at the end of the tournament.
Who Is Looking for Work?
Several high-profile managers are currently seeking a return to management.
Former England manager Gareth Southgate is available after stepping down following a defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. However, he stated that returning to management is “not something that’s high on my agenda” when linked to a potential role at Manchester United.
Xabi Alonso is also in search of a new position after leaving Real Madrid, where he managed for less than eight months, achieving 24 wins in 34 matches.
Zinedine Zidane , a three-time Champions League winner and two-time La Liga champion with Real Madrid, has been out of work since departing the club in 2021. Reports suggest he may take over the French national team following Deschamps’ departure.
Other notable names without current roles include Enzo Maresca , who recently left Chelsea, former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou , and ex-Dortmund boss Edin Terzic . Additionally, Joachim Low , who stepped down as Germany's manager in 2021, has yet to return to the managerial scene.