It’s been a difficult week for a number of Premier League managers, particularly Arsene Wenger and Louis van Gaal…
Seven days ago it was all looking so good for the Premier League big boys. For Arsene Wenger, his Arsenal team were pushing their way up the Premier League, through in the FA Cup and anticipating a Champions League clash against his former club AS Monaco.
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Despite enduring his fair share of criticism over his new side’s playing style, Louis van Gaal had inspired United to third place in the Premier League and the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, with a Capital One Cup humbling at MK Dons the only major blot on his copy book.
However, as we all know, a week is a long time in football. Fast forward to this past Wednesday evening, and Arsenal have been beaten at home by Monaco, and now face a major task to end their five year absence from the last eight of the Champions League. United meanwhile have been beaten by Swansea City for the second time this season and now have Liverpool breathing down their necks in the race for fourth.
While we don’t expect much in the way of managerial changes at the top end of the table between now and the end of the season, it’s worth considering whose job might come under threat if the desired climax to the campaign is not secured – be that a top four finish, a trophy, or just to remain respectable. Click through the list below to see who we think is most in danger:
7) Mauricio Pochettino – Tottenham Hotspur – 44 points from 26 league games, still in two cup competitions
The Argentine needed time to implement his style and philosophy that he used to such great effect at Southampton, and his methods seem to be slowly taking hold. He’s kept Tottenham within touching distance of the top four and on the verge of winning of a trophy without spending big money to change his squad. He’s also helped develop a number of the younger players, most notably striking sensation Harry Kane, who has 24 goals this term.
Job Security: 8/10
6) Brendan Rodgers – Liverpool – 45 points from 26 league games, still in two cup competitions
Rodgers has steadily worked his way back into the fans good books with an outstanding run of results post-Christmas. The top four is now very much back within touching distance after Sunday’s crucial 2-0 win over Southampton, while the Reds continued progress in the FA Cup should be enough to keep the fans on side. If the Northern Irishman can secure a Champions League place and a trophy, he’ll be elevated to hero-status once more.
Job Security: 7/10
5) Ronald Koeman – Southampton – 46 points from 26 league games, not in any cup competitions
Any Southampton fans left feeling disappointed between now and the end of the season should just remember – back in August, you were among the favourites to go down! After losing a whole host of key players and their manager in the summer, few fancied the Saints to produce anything close to what they have done – and that would remain true if they didn’t pick up another point for the rest of the season. Let’s just hope that Koeman doesn’t begin to suffer under the weight of expectation.
Job Security: 8/10
4) Louis van Gaal – Manchester United – 47 points from 26 league games, still in one cup competition
How many United fans have fully taken to the Dutchman? While Van Gaal has been far from a disaster at Old Trafford, you can’t help but feel there is still an air of disappointment among United fans. They’ve rarely been at their free-flowing best so far this season, while results such as the one against Swansea last weekend will do little to bolster supporter confidence. If United fall away between now and the end of the season and finish outside of the top four, then heads could roll once again.
Job Security: 6/10
3) Arsene Wenger – Arsenal – 48 points from 26 league games, still in two cup competitions
Is the Frenchman already a dead-man walking? There was so much hope and expectation at the start of the season, with the Gunners fresh off the back of their FA Cup victory – a first trophy in nine years. However, they’ve struggled to show any signs of improvement this term – despite the glorious form of Alexis Sanchez in the first-half of the campaign. If they miss out on the next round of the Champions League – and it very much looks as if they will – Wenger may well find himself on borrowed time.
Job Security: 4/10
2) Manuel Pellegrini – Manchester City – 55 points from 26 league games, still in one cup competition
It’s been a strange season for City, whose form has fluctuated almost uncontrollably. After starting poorly, results steadily improved pre-Christmas, and they found themselves level on points at the top in early January. However, the loss of Yaya Toure to the African Cup of Nations has had a massive effect on their form, and the gap is now back to five points. Having also exited the FA Cup and League Cup in the early stages, it’s looking as if it could be a trophyless season for Pellegrini – and that never goes down well at the Etihad Stadium.
Job Security: 5/10
1) Jose Mourinho – Chelsea – 60 points from 26 league games, still in two cup competitions
If it weren’t for his regular clashes with the FA and any match official willing to give him the time of day, you could say that he’s had the perfect season. Top of the league, with a Capital One Cup final against Tottenham coming up this weekend, there is certainly plenty to cheer for the Stamford Bridge faithful. A shock FA Cup defeat at the hands of Bradford City was embarrassing of course, but in truth it could prove a blessing in disguise, allowing them to focus on other competitions.
Job Security: 9/10