ClapThe managerial merry-go-round is something that’s played an important role in the culture of the Premier League for many years now. For whatever reason, many managers aren’t necessarily given the time they need to make a sustained impact at their club, with owners becoming increasingly impatient if they don’t get immediate results.
So then, it’s probably worth noting that five managerial changes have taken place over the course of the last few weeks.
As the dust settles, it’s time to take a look at how we believe the five incoming bosses are going to fare in the top flight.
Dean Smith – Norwich City
Injuries and heightened expectations really did harm Dean Smith in the final few days of his time with Aston Villa, but now, he’s got a brand new lease on life with Norwich City.
Their opening win under his guidance served as a real momentum boost and if they can carry this forward into the new year, they may well have a fighting chance of surviving in the Premier League this season.
Steven Gerrard – Aston Villa
Steven Gerrard opted to leave a comfortable job as Rangers manager to return to the Premier League, and we’d argue that’s a testament to the kind of character he is.
The ultimate goal would appear to be for him to take over at Liverpool but whilst he’s at Villa Park, you can bet he’s going to give it his all – because that’s just what he does.
Eddie Howe – Newcastle United
There’s a whole lot of pressure on the shoulders of Eddie Howe to guide Newcastle out of the bottom three, especially considering how many fans wanted to see Unai Emery take charge instead.
The January transfer window may feel like it’s only around the corner but the winter period is going to be chaotic. If the Magpies are left in a state by the time we get to the new year, problems could arise.
Antonio Conte – Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte admitted in the wake of Spurs’ defeat to Mura that there’s a lot of work to be done behind the scenes. Still, if anyone can stoke a fire in this squad, it’s going to be Conte.
We have no idea how long he’s going to be there or if he’s going to be even remotely successful. Alas, the honesty with which he spoke about Tottenham Hotspur’s problems should give their supporters cause for hope.
Ralf Rangnick – Manchester United
This one hasn’t been officially confirmed as of yet but it does seem like we’re edging closer and closer towards Ralf Rangnick taking charge as interim manager from now until the end of the campaign.
That is the kind of appointment that Manchester United needed. There are suggestions that they could be in for Erik ten Hag when the season comes to an end, but that shouldn’t be the focus right now. They need to think about what the next couple of. months are going to hold, and Rangnick is a really smart signing.
