
The 2024/25 Premier League season has not been without its shocks and dramas, and a large part of this has been the significant managerial turnover. The sackings of this season have only reflected the high-stakes environment of top-flight English football.
As of January 21, 2025, six managers have been dismissed due to underwhelming performances and unmet expectations, which would’ve led to many upset or even pleased fans – depending on personal preferences, or if they might’ve had a free bet in place, for example.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for these sackings that have rocked the Premier League campaign.
Erik ten Hag – Manchester United
The first managerial casualty was Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on October 28, 2024. This came after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, which left Manchester United languishing in 14th place, with a negative goal difference after nine games.
Despite their FA Cup victory in the previous season, the team’s disappointing league performance meant that Ten Hag’s needed to go. Ruud van Nistelrooy initially took over as interim manager, before Ruben Amorim became the permanent successor on November 11, 2024.
Steve Cooper – Leicester City
Less than a month after Ten Hag, the league was hit with another dismissal at Leicester City, with Steve Cooper being sacked on November 24, 2024. After a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea, Leicester were only one point above the relegation zone, having won only two of twelve matches.
Cooper’s tenure was marred by a failure to connect with fans and a departure from the proven playing style of his predecessor, Enzo Maresca. Van Nistelrooy was appointed as Leicester’s new manager on December 1, 2024.
Gary O’Neil – Wolverhampton Wanderers
On December 15, 2024, Wolverhampton Wanderers parted ways with Gary O’Neil after a 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich Town. This was Wolves’ 11th loss in 16 games, putting them 19th in the league – only four points adrift of safety.
O’Neil’s tenure was characterised by a lack of victories, with the team recording only two wins under his leadership. Vítor Pereira was appointed as the new head coach on December 19, 2024.
Russell Martin – Southampton
Another sacking occurred on December 15, 2024, but this time for Russell Martin of Southampton. The dismissal came shortly after a 5-0 thrashing from Tottenham Hotspur, which left Southampton anchored at the bottom of the Premier League
After only one win in 16 matches, the club’s board emphasised the urgent need for improved results, leading to Martin’s dismissal. Ivan Jurić took on the new managerial role on December 22, 2024.
Julen Lopetegui – West Ham United
West Ham United sacked Julen Lopetegui on January 8, 2025, after a poor start to the season. The club cited unmet club ambitions, and despite a significant investment of £127.5 million in summer transfers, the disappointing six out of 20 Premier League wins meant that Lopetegui was to be dismissed.
Graham Potter, former Chelsea and Brighton manager, was appointed as Lopetegui’s successor the very next day on January 9, 2025.
Sean Dyche – Everton
The last Premier League sacking to occur this season – so far – was Everton manager Sean Dyche, dismissed on January 9, 2025.
After a 1-0 away defeat to Bournemouth, Everton were positioned 16th in the league, just above the relegation zone.
David Moyes was confirmed to return to the club after 12 years as Dyche’s replacement on January 11, 2025.
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These managerial changes underscore the relentless pressure and high expectations that are rooted in Premier League football. Clubs are quick to act when performances falter, seeking new leadership to steer them toward success in an increasingly competitive environment.
Who do you think might be the next to receive the chop in the Premier League?