The managerial revolving door: big changes in the Premier League

The Premier League Manager Merry-Go-Round is already well underway 14 games into the season – who are the new faces in the top tier’s dugouts, and what can we expect to see from them?

Can Julen Lopetegui bring new ideas to Molineux?
After an awful start to the campaign, Wolves sit second from bottom. Julen Lopetegui’s task is not an easy one by any means. Wolves have been incredibly consistent since their promotion to the Premier League in 2018, but their measly goal tally this season has left a lot to be desired. This, of course, has not been helped by a classic Diego Costa red card against Brentford, which forces Wolves’ new signing out of the squad until after the World Cup.

Lopetegui is a highly acclaimed manager, whose stints at Real Madrid and in the Spanish national team stand him in high regard across the world of football. His appointment does appear to be a slight mismatch and begs the question: why would Wolves not approach a manager with experience in the Premier League? The Molineux dugout seemed to be crying out for a Rafa Benitez or a Steve Bruce-esque appointment.

Jermaine Jenas noted that it is a ‘good time for a new manager to come in’, given the World Cup at the end of the month. It means that Wolves will have a makeshift pre-season for Lopetegui to get to grips with his squad. It has been reported that Lopetegui at first turned down the offer before renegotiating terms with the Wolves board. Fans will be hoping that this is a nod to a long-term appointment, who will have a big say in the transfer market, rather than a short-term solution to a poor run of form. It will take a lot more than a few signings to regain some of Wolves’ winning mentality.

Out-of-form Southampton sack Hasenhuttl
After almost four years in charge, Southampton have parted ways with Ralph Hasenhuttl. The Saints’ poor run of form this season has seen them win only one of their past nine games, leaving them in the relegation zone. He has become the fifth manager to be sacked this season, with many teams not living up to expectations.

His experience in the Premier League with Arsenal makes for a fitting appointment at Villa Park

Despite bringing in a number of players during the summer window, Saints have struggled this season. The Southampton board surely cannot have expected the new players to make an impact immediately with so many new changes. Hassenhuttl’s fortunes were not helped by three members of the coaching staff being told to leave by the board.

Luton Town have given Southampton permission to speak to their manager, Nathan Jones. The former Brighton player took Luton from League Two to League One in his first stint at the Hatters. Jones would be a good replacement for Hasenhuttl, given Luton’s style of play and their success in the Championship this season.

Emery’s reign at Villa starts with a win against Manchester United
Unai Emery oversaw Villa’s convincing win against Manchester United in his first game in charge. The Spaniard took over from Steven Gerrard at the end of October, with Villa slipping down the table. This is Villa’s first home win against United in 23 years. Goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey sealed the three points at a rapturous Villa Park.

After the game, Emery said: “We have players with energy, with quick skills, and we wanted to be disciplined, and I think being together with our game plan the players did it.” His faith in the players and in the system led him to say that he was aiming to lead Villa into Europe which, along with their fine performance against United, will spur fans on.

Emery’s European success with Sevilla and Villareal and his experience in the Premier League with Arsenal makes for a fitting appointment at Villa Park. Villa travel to Brighton for their final game before the World Cup. Emery will certainly review his squad after the tournament, impose his own style of play and make some transfers to address Villa’s frailties.