Russell Martin and Gary O’Neil recently became the third and fourth managerial casualties of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, dismissed on the same day after bruising home defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town, respectively.
With Erik ten Hag and Steve Cooper losing their jobs several weeks prior, it seems club owners are now ready — as we reach the halfway stage of the English top-flight season — to cut ties whenever necessary.
Who will have the dubious honor of winning the next leg of the Premier League sack race? Here’s a look at the five bosses most likely to receive the boot:
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur
Although his expansive, free-flowing and all-out attacking style of play has ensured the Spurs have contested some of the most exhilarating matches in recent Premier League history, it hasn’t always garnered the required points return. Despite thrashing Manchester City at the Etihad, putting five past Southampton and netting 41 league goals (only runaway leader Liverpool has scored more), Postecoglou’s inconsistent outfit finds itself floundering in mid-table.
The wily Australian promises to stand resolutely by his swashbuckling brand of football as he seeks to add to a bustling personal trophy cabinet. As the man himself has stated in recent weeks, Postecoglou always wins silverware in his second season in charge – we just need to see whether Daniel Levy believes strongly enough in this prophecy.
Sean Dyche, Everton
Having preserved Burnley’s top-flight status for five consecutive seasons and led the Clarets to a first European campaign in over five decades, Dyche’s Premier League pedigree cannot be disputed. However, the Englishman’s defensive-minded tactics have not always gone down well with the Goodison Park faithful.
After flirting with relegation for the past two seasons and starting the 2024-25 campaign in patchy form, there’s a feeling Dyche’s time at Everton might soon be up. In December, the Toffees celebrated the completion of a new stadium and the arrival of new owners after a protracted takeover deal. Will a new manager soon be at the helm?
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester City
Despite thumping the Foxes in his first outing as Manchester United’s caretaker manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed Leicester City boss at the beginning of December. After registering an impressive 3-1 victory over West Ham at King Power Stadium, the Dutchman has watched his side succumb to heavy defeats against Newcastle United and the relegation-rival Wolves.
With the East Midlanders scoring just one goal in their last four matches and a series of tough fixtures on the horizon, the former Red Devils striker will already be feeling the pressure.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City
Despite Manchester City’s torrid run of form, some would understandably contest Guardiola’s inclusion in this list. Having lifted 12 domestic trophies and earned a UEFA Champions League winners medal since arriving in England in the summer of 2016, the tactician certainly has an enormous amount of credit in the bank.
However, the manner of Manchester City’s recent defeats has exposed several flaws in Guardiola’s once untouchable footballing philosophy, reminding us that he is a mere mortal after all.
Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United
After David Moyes’ departure in the summer, West Ham fans were looking forward to a more attacking approach under the stewardship of former Wolves manager Lopetegui. However, issues at the back have served to undermine any limited progress in the final third. Outside of the bottom four, the Hammers have conceded more Premier League goals than any other club.
Having suffered heavy defeats to league-leader Liverpool and cross-city rival Arsenal in recent weeks, the East Londoners may be starting to miss the pragmatic tactics of their previous boss. Could Lopetegui be edging towards the exit door?
