With the likes of Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta having seen their reputations reach new heights this term, here are several high-profile managers whose status as top coaches took a hit in 2023/24.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso has seen his stock rise dramatically this season, amid a record-breaking campaign of 49 matches without defeat in all competitions, in addition to the side's first-ever Bundesliga triumph. Arteta has also received a lot of plaudits for managing to keep his side firing on all cylinders and ensuring the Gunners stay in the title race with Manchester City with just a few matches remaining.
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However, the same compliment cannot be afforded some other coaches this season, including Thomas Tuchel of Bayern Munich.
Thomas Tuchel - Bayern Munich
Tuchel will leave the German giants at the end of the season, with the decision having been confirmed earlier this year following a troubling first half of the campaign. Bayern will officially go trophyless this season following their elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday at the hands of Real Madrid. This has somewhat dented Tuchel's reputation as he has now gone a second successive stint without completing two seasons in charge – having also been dismissed by Chelsea after just 17 months in the Stamford Bridge helm. His job at Paris Saint-Germain also didn't exceed two full seasons, reflecting a pattern of a short-term coach. Notably, however, media reports now link him with a return to England, although nothing has been confirmed as yet.
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Erik ten Hag - Manchester United
It is no secret that Ten Hag is arguably the most under-pressure manager among bosses at elite European clubs. The Dutchman's woes at Old Trafford are well-publicised, and there are growing calls for him to get sacked. United have lost 18 of their 48 games in all competitions so far this season, the joint-most the club has lost in a season since the 1977/78 campaign. It is widely suggested that, with the exception perhaps of the management at the Theatre of Dreams, many of the club's supporters have lost faith in Ten Hag. Some of the criticisms waged against him include his perceived lack of man-management, his deflective responses in press conferences, as well as his seemingly poor record when it comes to choosing the right signings for the club.
David Moyes - West Ham United
Earlier this week, West Ham announced that Moyes will not continue at the club beyond June after his side was beaten 5-0 by Chelsea on Sunday. Having guided the Hammers to a first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022/23, the 61-year-old has failed to reach similar heights this term, with many arguing that the club is one of the biggest underachievers in the Premier League given the potential in his squad. To make matters worse, West Ham are said to have already agreed terms to appoint his replacement, Julen Lopetegui. It's unclear what is next for Moyes as no club has jumped at the possibility of hiring him yet. It has been confirmed, though, that his next job will be a punditry role for talkSPORT for the UEFA European Championship in June.
Mauricio Pochettino - Chelsea
Although Chelsea are now making a push for a spot in European football competitions next season, 2023/24 has been yet another hugely disappointing season for the club. Unsurprisingly, Pochettino is bearing the brunt of it all and during some stages of the season, a section of supporters have called for his dismissal, with others going as far as singing former boss Jose Mourinho's name at home games. Pochettino's reputation now is some distance from what it was before he took the job, when his stock was quite high, with there having been links to clubs such as United and even Real Madrid. On Friday, the Argentine tactician provided some bit of hope that he will remain at Chelsea next season, confirming that he and club have already started planning for their pre-season tour.
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