Top 7 managerial openings this summer: Part 1
The most risky job in the game of football is that of the manager. If the team wins, the players are praised but if the team loses, the manager is blamed. The manager may have led the team to a 10-game winning run but even a 5-game winless run after that may prove to be fatal.
With many European giants having less than satisfactory seasons, there are bound to be some managerial openings this summer. There is always Chelsea, with the impending arrival of the ‘Special One’ and the departure of as they called him ‘The Interim One’.
Let’s have a look at the managers who may be packing their bags in the summer and the likely candidates to replace them.
1) David Moyes (Everton)
Everton Manager David Moyes looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield on May 5, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Getty Images)
I think this would be a much of a resignation rather than sacking. David Moyes has lifted Everton from being relegation dogfighters to being dogfighters for a spot in Europe. Such has been his spell at the Merseyside club that even Manchester United is eyeing him as the potential replacement for the irreplaceable Sir Alex Ferguson. He was the 2003, 2005 and 2009 League Managers’ Association manager of the year. The 50-year-old led Everton to the Champions League in 2005/06 and led them to the FA Cup final in the year 2009. Moyes is the third longest serving manager in the Premier League behind Arsene Wenger and Fergie.
Under Moyes, processions for Everton have been hunky-dory and they are even on the cusp of finishing above Liverpool in the league table for the second consecutive year; this feat would be achieved by Everton after a lengthy gap of 50 years. But now the question arises that why would Moyes want to part with this progressing Merseyside club and the answer is to win trophies. He has toiled season after season to win the FA cup or the League cup at Everton but has failed. They say only players leave clubs to win trophies like Robin van Persie did but even the managers feel that they should win trophies because although you may finish above your rivals, in 5th or 6th or any lofty position the sheer euphoria of winning even a meek competition is unmatched.
Moyes has recognized that with some players like Maroune Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Nikica Jelavic are bound for the exit, the core of his team would be destroyed and furthermore he would not be able to find replacements because of Everton’s financial condition. This was the season where Moyes could have led Everton to FA cup or League cup glory but they failed again. Moyes would be fed up of these failures and he would look to move on to a club where he can taste some success.
But the question is where? Will his poor man management prove to be a barrier for him to a new club?
Likely Replacements: Roberto Martinez
2) Andrea Stramaccioni (Inter Milan)
Andrea Stramaccioni head coach of Inter during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale Milano at Stadio San Paolo on May 5, 2013 in Naples, Italy. (Getty Images)
When Claudio Ranieri left the Nerazzuri, few expected Andrea Stramaccioni to take over. Inter Milan side were crowned the kings of Europe under the mercurial Jose Mourinho but what has happened since is a story that Inter Milan fans would like to forget. After Mourinho left, Rafa Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini, Ranieri all tried their hand at this job but failed horribly. Inter though won the 2010 Supercoppa Italiana and FIFA Club World Cup under Benitez. They finished 2nd in 2010-11, 6th in 2011-12, and are currently 8th in the league.
All the managers before Strammaccioni were sacked by the owner Massimo Morrati carelessly and hastily. And Inter Milan don’t even show a hint of progression under the Italian so why is the owner giving him so much time? You could say that he is trying to stabilise the club with one manager but why doesn’t he try that with a better manager, because it will surely reap rewards for him. Strammaccioni has never got his tactics spot on but one has to give him credit for the fantastic 3-1 victory over Juventus at Turin this season, which ended the Old Lady’s 49-match unbeaten streak in the Serie A.
The club has talented players like Handanovic, Ranocchia, Cassano, Nagatoma and Palacio, and if these players have the right leader they can surely achieve more. This club which has had quality managers like Rafa, Mourinho, Raneiri, Mancini, Marcelo Lippi, needs another one now.
Likely Replacements: Rafa Benitez, Javier Zanetti
3) Carlo Ancelloti (PSG)
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of PSG looks on during the Ligue 1 match against Valenciennes FC at the Parc des Princes stadium on May 5, 2013 in Paris, France. (Getty Images)
Saying that Carlo Ancelotti is a tad bit unlucky would be true. Paris Saint-Germain appointed him as their manager in December of 2011, and he led the team to a second place finish in the league. In his first full season in charge, he is sure to lead PSG to Ligue 1 glory after 19 years, yet there doubts remain over his future. This is seems like a case of Déjà Vu.
The former Chelsea boss won the league and cup double in his first season at Stamford Bridge in 2009. The following year, the team finished second and without silverware, Ancelloti was sacked by the impatient Roman Abramovich – a common characteristic possessed by rich owners who want instant success.
And the same could possibly happen even if PSG win the title as President Nasser Al-Khelaifi would wield the axe if the likes of Mourinho became available.
Likely Replacements: Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini
4) Rafael Benitez (Chelsea)
Rafael Benitez, interim manager of Chelsea gives instructions during the Barclays Premier League against Manchester United at Old Trafford on May 5, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Getty Images)
Well, this is a puzzling one isn’t it? Nobody is quite sure if this is a sacking, resignation or some kind of mutual consent. But one thing is sure that we are not going to see Rafael Benitez next year at Chelsea.
Following the shocking sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, Benitez appointment was heavily opposed by the Blues’ fans due to Benitez’s association with Liverpool and comments he had previously made about the club.
He led Chelsea to League Cup and FA cup semi-finals but disappointingly lost to Swansea and Manchester City respectively. He has confirmed their Champions League spot for next season after the recent 1-0 away win over Manchester United. You cannot really file a case against him, after his arrival at the bridge he has been consistent and he has even helped Chelsea to the Europa League final against Benfica; somewhat salvaging their season.
After the FA Cup 5th round match against Middlesbrough, he vented his anger on the constant speculations of his future. This put threat on his immediate future as he even criticised the owner. He went on to add that he would leave at the end of the season, which was no surprise really. Jose Mourinho has been penned in for a return and is expected to sign Falcao in the off season. Seems like good news all around for the fans then.
Likely replacements: Jose Mourinho
Part 2 will be out soon.