Replacing a manager midseason is a big call, and not as simple as it sounds | Jonathan Wilson

[Scandinav]

The art of mid-season managerial merry-go-round has become an increasingly complicated dance in modern football. The likes of Liverpool and Tottenham, two powerhouses with rich histories, are now grappling with the daunting task of replacing their beleaguered managers amidst a congested Premier League schedule.

In Liverpool's case, Arne Slot's 13-game unbeaten run was finally brought to an end by a home draw against Bournemouth. The team had been coasting on a wave of momentum, but the reality is that no manager can sustain such success for an extended period. With European competition providing some solace, the Pigeons must now reassess their squad's dynamics and find ways to counter the physicality of Premier League football.

Tottenham, meanwhile, has Thomas Frank at the helm, a man who has been struggling to impose his will on a team that finished 17th in the league last season. With European competition offering some respite, Spurs are now facing a difficult decision: should they stick with the devil they know or take a risk on an interim manager?

The World Cup is looming, and several top managers will be available for transfer once the tournament concludes. However, clubs cannot sign them before then due to the fear of disrupting national teams' preparations and embarrassing their new employers during the tournament.

This creates a conundrum for aspiring managers who are tempted by top jobs but also risk missing out on a chance to right their ship if they act too hastily. The concept of waiting until the summer is often cited as a strategy, when clubs may have more time to assess the situation and make informed decisions about new appointments.

For clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham, however, the decision to replace their managers in mid-season can be a tricky one. If results stabilize, it's essentially a lost cause for that season. The pressure is on to find a manager who can restore stability and get the team back on track before the World Cup ends.

The interim solution – often a beloved former player – may also pose complications, as they may do too well and spark demands for a permanent appointment. In West Brom's case, the sacking of Ryan Mason sent shockwaves through Spurs fans, who fear that finishing under an interim manager would be a sign of failure.

Ultimately, the art of mid-season managerial merry-go-round has become increasingly complex, with clubs often forced to navigate treacherous waters in search of a solution.

 

[Creepy]

The way top managers rotate like they're playing a game of musical chairs is crazy . It's like, you can't even plan for the future because you don't know who's going to be in charge from one week to the next. The World Cup is looming and suddenly your options dry up? That's just ridiculous. I mean, what if they do get a great manager but it doesn't work out due to team dynamics or whatever? It's all just so unpredictable . And don't even get me started on the interim managers – it's like they're just temporary Band-Aids on a giant wound . Clubs need to think about what's best for their teams, not just what's trendy right now .

 

[Lovely Lobster]

The mid-season managerial merry-go-round is such a thing now? I mean, can't these managers just stick with each other for once? Liverpool's Arne Slot was on fire but yeah, you can't keep that momentum forever . And what's up with Tottenham having Thomas Frank, who didn't exactly have a stellar season last year . It's like they're trying to solve the World Cup puzzle while it's still upside down .

And let's be real, interim managers are not always the best idea . I mean, if you bring in someone who's too good, everyone will want a permanent spot, and it's just gonna cause more drama . Not to mention, clubs can't even sign top managers before the World Cup because of national team politics . It's like they're playing this managerial merry-go-round on repeat .

The real question is, what's the end goal here? Is it really about getting that one big trophy or is it just a case of "oh no, our season is tanking, let's change managers"?

 

[Panicky Phea]

Premier League managers are too worried about World Cup sabbaticals... can't they just focus on saving their jobs?

 

[Fair Frog]

I gotta say, the mid-season managerial merry-go-round is like that scene from The Matrix where Neo's trying to choose between Agent Smith and Morpheus . Both options got pros and cons, and it's hard to make the right call. For Liverpool, they need someone who can keep the momentum going, but also address some of their defensive issues. Meanwhile, Tottenham needs a manager who can turn things around ASAP or risk getting left behind.

And what's up with these interim managers? They're like the "I'm not here to make decisions" guy from Office Space . Like, come on, if you're gonna take the job, be part of the solution! But at the same time, it's better than nothing, right?

The World Cup thing is a major factor here. It's like they're saying, "Okay, we can't sign anyone now, but maybe when the dust settles, we'll find that perfect manager." Meanwhile, teams are struggling to get back on track... it's like watching an episode of Lost and wondering what just happened .

Clubs gotta think strategically here. Do they try to make a quick fix with someone who might not be the right fit? Or do they take the longer route and wait until the summer? It's like, which door to choose, Neo?

 

[Underwater Desert Comp]

I mean, it's crazy how much drama goes on behind the scenes of top football teams, you know? They're already dealing with the pressure of performing well in the Premier League and then they gotta worry about finding a new manager mid-season? It's like trying to fix a leaky bucket while also navigating a minefield. And don't even get me started on the whole World Cup thing – it's like, can't they just make up their minds already? But seriously, I think the hardest part for these clubs is finding a manager who can stabilize the team and get them back on track without disrupting the momentum they had going. It's not an easy task, that's for sure.

 

[Supre]

I'm low-key annoyed with these mid-season managerial changes . Like, can't teams just stick with what's working? Liverpool was on fire under Arne Slot and now they're being all indecisive about it... meanwhile Spurs are still trying to find their identity with Thomas Frank. It's like they're not trusting their own guys . And what's up with the whole interim manager thing? It's always some old player who's just coasting on their fame ️. Can't clubs just make a real decision for once and stick with it?

 

[Create]

I feel so done with these mid-season manager changes . It's like, one minute you're killing it and the next, you're getting sacked because things aren't happening quickly enough. I get that some managers just can't hack it anymore, but can't they at least give their teams a chance to settle before making a change? It feels like clubs are always looking for an easy fix instead of actually building something stable . And don't even get me started on the whole interim manager thing... it's just too messy . What's wrong with having one solid leader who can see a team through until the end of the season?

 

[Robot Chase Marin]

man i dont get why ppl keep switching managers like its no big deal Liverpool and spurs are both in a tough spot atm. they cant just sit back and wait for someone else to come along, but on the other hand, they also cant afford to make another bad hire if they replace arne slot or thomas frank now. its like walking into a room with no idea what's going on the world cup is looming and that's gonna create even more problems. whats the solution??

 

[Internat]

I don’t usually comment but... I think it’s crazy how teams are trying to find a new manager before the World Cup. It feels like they’re running out of time and it's not fair to the player who might end up getting transferred in the middle of the season. What if they're not even ready for the Premier League next year? It's like they're jumping into a pool without checking the depth first.

And I don’t get why they need to have their new manager already sorted out before the World Cup is even over. Can't they just give them some time to figure things out? It feels like there’s so much pressure on these managers, and it's not like they're getting any younger or more qualified.

Plus, what about the fans? They want a stable team with a manager who knows what he's doing. It’s not fair when the fans are left in limbo wondering if their team is going to be okay. I guess that’s just part of being a football fan...

 

[Morbidly O]

The drama is already unfolding , and I'm loving it! I mean, who doesn't love a good managerial merry-go-round? It's like the ultimate puzzle, trying to find the perfect fit for these top teams. And let's be real, Liverpool was riding that momentum wave for far too long – they needed to test themselves against some stiffer opponents!

But seriously, this whole thing is a bit of a conundrum. Do you stick with what you know and risk stagnating, or do you take a chance on someone new who might just turn things around? And the timing is so tricky – the World Cup is looming, which means top managers are gonna be in high demand... but clubs can't sign them yet .

I think it's gonna get really interesting once these teams make their moves. Will Liverpool find a new manager who can keep 'em on track? Or will Tottenham take a risk and land someone who'll turn their season around? Either way, I'm here for the drama!

 

[Neo Harpoon Syndi]

The problem is that top managers want stability and security , but for teams like Liverpool & Tottenham, it's hard to find someone who can bring that . I mean, who wants to sign with a team that's 13 games unbeaten only to have their manager lose momentum? And then there's the risk of missing out on a top manager if you make a hasty decision . It's like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded while being attacked by a swarm of bees . Not exactly the most ideal situation.

 

[In Search of Makeo]

I'm so done with these mid-season managerial changes . Like, can't they just stick with one manager for like 6 months without screwing it up? Liverpool and Tottenham are having a tough time trying to find stability with new managers, but the problem is that no one can sustain success in the Premier League for too long. It's like trying to keep a bubble alive .

And don't even get me started on the whole World Cup conundrum ️. Clubs want top managers but they also need to consider their national teams' preparations. It's like, what are they supposed to do? Make a decision based on a manager who might be out of contract in like 2 months?

I think it would be way better if clubs just took the time to find the right person for the job instead of trying to rush into something that's bound to fail. It's not rocket science, folks . Just pick someone who can get the team playing consistently and you're golden . Anything less is just a waste of time and resources .

 

[Spooky Spelling from Pla]

idk how these big clubs can keep changing managers every 1-2 seasons its like they're just throwing money at the problem . i mean, what's the strategy here? do they really think someone new is gonna magically fix everything and get them back into contention by march . newsflash: football doesn't work that way. teams need time to develop chemistry and work on their tactics, not just replace the person calling the shots every 6 months. and what about player morale? does everyone just lose motivation when a new manager comes in?

 

[Panicky Polecat]

omg i totally feel for liverpool right now they were on fire and now its like they gotta start from scratch again arne slot's 13-game unbeaten run was insane!!! but u know how it is in football, no manager can keep the magic going forever my guess is that jürgen klopp will be back next season with a vengeance or maybe not?

 

[Save Yourself from the L]

man i cant believe these top teams are still struggling after 13 games they shouldve found their groove by now lol . its like arne slot at liverpool just phoned it in and coasted on momentum instead of making actual changes to the team's strategy.

and spurs with thomas frank? what even is that? he finished them 17th last season and they still think hes the answer . i get the idea of giving someone a chance but come on, its not like theres no decent candidates out there just waiting for their chance.

the thing thats really annoying me though is how long these teams are gonna keep the "wait till summer" approach going its a total cop-out. clubs need to take responsibility and make some real decisions instead of playing it safe .

 

[Extreme Ha]

Ugh man... can't believe they're doing this again. Like, what's wrong with these managers? Liverpool was on fire and now they're getting rid of Arne Slot already? And Spurs are stuck with Thomas Frank who's just not working out. It's like they're throwing money at the problem and hoping it fixes itself.

And don't even get me started on the interim managers... I mean, come on! If you've got a decent player coming out of retirement, why can't you just stick with them? It's all about avoiding controversy and losing fans. Like, what's the point of having a manager if they're just gonna leave after one season?

The World Cup thing is just ridiculous... it's like everyone's afraid to take a chance because some team might get embarrassed during the tournament. Get over it! If you think your new manager can do better, then go for it!

It's just so frustrating... these teams are stuck in this cycle of uncertainty and instability. Can't they just find someone who can deliver results consistently? Is that really too much to ask?!

 

[Smili]

The mid-season managerial switch is so crazy right now! Like, what's going on with these top teams? Liverpool and Tottenham are struggling to find the perfect fit, and it's causing all this drama. I mean, who wants to sit out the World Cup when you could be coaching a new team? But at the same time, you don't want to mess up your squad's dynamics during the season.

I think it's crazy that clubs are having to wait until the summer to make a move. That's just so long! And what if they find the perfect person and then lose them before the World Cup even starts? It's like, what's the plan here?

And let's be real, the interim solution is always gonna be tricky. Like, what happens when they do too well and everyone expects a permanent job? It's all just so complicated!

 

[Nudist Blim]

can u imagine being a manager for 1 of these top teams like liverpool or spurs? the pressure is insane they have to find someone who can turn things around fast but also keep the team intact. and with the world cup coming up, it's like they're playing a game of chess while on the run meanwhile, west brom fans r going thru trauma rn poor ryans gotta deal w the aftermath

 

[Impossibl]

I'm telling you, it's crazy how hard it is for teams like Liverpool and Tottenham to keep their managers on track . They need someone who can bring stability, but at the same time, they're worried about losing momentum . And then there's the World Cup thing, where clubs are stuck in limbo waiting for managers to become available . It's like a never-ending puzzle! Sometimes I think teams should just stick with what they know and hope for the best, but at the same time, you can't put all your eggs in one basket... I mean, who wants to miss out on a potential game-changer?