Erik ten Hag is the latest high-profile manager without a job after the Dutchman was sacked by Manchester United on Monday.
The 54-year-old won two titles during his time at Old Trafford, and United’s defeat at West Ham on Sunday turned out to be the last straw for the club hierarchy, which appointed assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim head coach while the search for a permanent solution is under way.
Ten Hag’s dismissal has raised questions as regards which manager is next in line to be axed, and Afrosport highlights six coaches across top European clubs whose jobs are on the line if their fortunes do not change soon.
Rubén Baraja – Valencia
Former Spain international Baraja helped Valencia escape relegation last season and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension.
However, with one win from 11 La Liga fixtures this campaign, the former Valencia midfielder looks to be the next top flight manager to be shown the exit door.
Six defeats, four draws, and a minus-nine goal difference see the two-time Champions League finalists occupy the 20th spot in the standings, and for a club of its pedigree, such should not be the case.
Appointed as a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso in February 2023, the love story seems to be coming to an end as they have recorded only one win in their last 18 league matches under him.
Ivan Juric – AS Roma
No stranger to sacking, former Genoa manager Ivan Juric knows just how it feels to be on the firing line and has experienced such on a couple of occasions.
Recently appointed as replacement for Roma legend Danielle de Rossi, the Croatian has failed to turn the tide for the Rome-based club, having recorded three victories, two draws, and three defeats between Serie A and the Europa League.
They suffered a 5-1 demolition at Fiorentina over the weekend, and reports are suggesting that the owners of Friedkin Group are looking to reappoint De Rossi, who was sacked on September 18, as Roma are in 11th place in the league after just two wins from nine games.
Alberto Gilardino – Genoa
Former Italy international Alberto Gilardino is another club icon whose job is on the line as he finds himself in a precarious position based on the results of matches played this season.
The Grifones have managed just one win from nine Serie A matches, along with three draws and five defeats, which leaves them in the 18th spot in the league standings.
Despite securing the services of Mario Balotelli, Alberto Gilardino knows his status as club legend will not be thought of when owners, 777 Partners, x-ray his performance so far, as the idea of relegation to Serie B will definitely not be palatable for them.
Sean Dyche – Everton
The future of Sean Dyche as Everton manager will be decided swiftly by prospective owners, The Friedkin Group, after they agreed to buy a majority stake to takeover the Merseyside club.
Everton have registered just two wins from nine Premier League outings this season and sit 16th in the standings, and going by the growing frustrations from club faithfuls, Dyche may just be staring at the exit door.
How long will the former Burnley manager remain at the dugout at Goodison Park? Time will tell.
Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace won six of their last seven games in the 2023-24 campaign under Oliver Glasner, who replaced Roy Hodgson in February.
Fans of the South London club were expecting continued success this season, but the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has not found life easy at Selhurst Park this term.
The 1-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was their first win of the season, having drawn three and lost five of their eight previous Premier League matches.
The win, however, may have delayed his sacking going by reports emanating from the club’s hierarchy, but the Austrian will need to follow that result with more positive outings if he is to remain in charge of the Eagles.
Gary O’Neil – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Languishing in the relegation zone, Gary O’Neil needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat to steer Wolverhampton Wanderers out of the murky waters they find themselves currently.
After some visible improvements last season, the Englishman is yet to register a win this season with seven defeats and two draws from nine league outings.
Saturday’s 2-2 draw away at Brighton does not seem to ease the pressure on O’Neil and the 41-year-old knows too well that his job is on the line.
