Ahmed Nashat – Which Premier League Club Made The Smartest Managerial Change?
Listen to this articleMy friend Ahmed Nashat and I took bets at the beginning of the EPL season as to which managers would be first out of a job, and unsurprisingly I once again lost convincingly to Ahmed, for the 3rd year running. Now that so many clubs have gotten rid of their managers, for one reason or another, it is time to turn our attention to which of those clubs appear to have made the smartest move, let’s take a look.
Spurs – Poch Out – Jose in
Mauricio Pochettino probably deserved a little more time given what he had done with Spurs, but chairman Daniel Levy wanted Mourinho in and when the chance arrived he pounced. This is arguably a step down for Mourinho but perhaps just what he needed after being out of a job for 6 months. We have so far seen a very different side to the Portuguese manager and in that Spurs team he may just have the recipe for the success that he has become accustomed to.
Arsenal – Emery Out – Arteta in
Another change in North London was the sacking of Unai Emery and the hiring of Mikel Arteta. Whilst there was no question that it was time up for Unai Emery, to bring in Arteta certainly looks a risk on the face of it. Beyond his experience working under Guardiola, the Spaniard hasn’t been in charge of a club before and given everything that Arsenal have wrong with them, it may well have been a poisoned chalice.
Watford – Flores for Pearson
Watford are certainly no strangers to the sack race and they have already gotten rid of 2 managers this season alone. Quique Sanchez Flores’ return was short and sweet, unless you’re a Watford fan of course, and he was swiftly replaced by ex-Leicester man Nigel Pearson. The new manager has a reputation for winning relegation scraps and the Hornets are already off to a flier with Pearson at the helm.
Everton – Marco Silva for Ancelotti
Everton look to have a pulled off a real coup here with the dreadful Marco Silva making way for the absolute legend that is Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has won just about everything that there is to win in this game and if he can get to work with those hungry and capable Everton players then there is no reason they can’t aim for Europe next season.
West Ham – Pellegrini out for Moyes
West Ham have gone backwards with their managerial choice as Manuel Pellegrini was fired this week and ex-Hammers boss Moyes brought back into the fold. This is far from an exciting choice for the Irons and the fans will let the club know about it. With this being said however, Moyes is a safe pair of hands and he may very well be the man to keep the Hammers up, and bring some points back to the London Stadium.
Who do you think has made the smartest choice?
