As the 2025/26 Premier League season enters its final stretch with just 15 games remaining, the managerial sack race is heating up dramatically. Several high-profile bosses, including Thomas Frank, Arne Slot, and Oliver Glasner, are facing intense pressure and might not see the campaign through to its conclusion.
Season of Turmoil in the Dugout
The current Premier League campaign has already witnessed significant managerial casualties, setting a precedent for potential further changes. Nuno Espirito Santo was the first to fall, dismissed by Nottingham Forest back in September. He was swiftly followed by Graham Potter, Ange Postecoglou, and Vitor Pereira as the season's first half unfolded.
Even the league's traditional powerhouses have not been immune to the dugout drama. Earlier this month, both Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca were moved on within days of each other by Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. This turbulent backdrop suggests that with over a third of the season still to play, more managers could find themselves out of work.
Managers in Relatively Secure Positions
Some managers appear to be on solid ground despite the general atmosphere of uncertainty. Mikel Arteta has Arsenal positioned at the Premier League summit, making his departure highly unlikely, while Pep Guardiola retains complete control over his Manchester City future.
Unai Emery continues to perform wonders at Aston Villa, making his position seemingly unassailable for now. Regis Le Bris has enjoyed a remarkable debut Premier League season with Sunderland, rendering any change there a major surprise.
Keith Andrews has silenced his pre-season critics with Brentford's solid performances. Meanwhile, recent appointments Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Liam Rosenior at Chelsea are still in their honeymoon periods.
Among mid-table clubs, Marco Silva has Fulham sitting comfortably in seventh place, distancing himself from sacking speculation. David Moyes, Fabian Hurzeler, and Andoni Iraola are all delivering respectable results that should secure their positions for the foreseeable future.
Managers Walking a Tightrope
Several managers find themselves in precarious positions where a downturn in results could prove disastrous. Arne Slot stands as the most obvious candidate, with Liverpool's miserable title defence under his leadership leaving the Dutchman on unstable ground.
Saturday's late defeat to Bournemouth has intensified the pressure on Slot. While he may not be one defeat away from dismissal, he urgently needs to establish a consistent winning run to secure his future.
Newcastle's Eddie Howe faces similar challenges. Despite his commendable work, the club's ambitious owners expect Champions League qualification, and their current ninth-place position falls short of those expectations.
Daniel Farke at Leeds United will be nervously monitoring his situation. Although he appears to have steered the club away from immediate danger, another poor run could place him in serious jeopardy. Sean Dyche at Nottingham Forest shares similar concerns, with his team sitting just five points above the relegation zone.
Managers in Crisis Territory
Thomas Frank represents perhaps the most vulnerable manager currently in post. The Dane's arrival at Tottenham Hotspur last summer has yielded dismal results, with the North London club languishing in 14th position, just eight points above the relegation places.
Fan discontent has grown increasingly vocal, making Frank's continued tenure appear increasingly untenable. Many observers anticipate his departure from Tottenham could occur sooner rather than later.
Oliver Glasner presents a unique case at Crystal Palace. Although the Austrian has already confirmed he will leave the club at season's end, his public criticism of club management following Marc Guehi's sale, combined with a nearly two-month winless Premier League run, could precipitate an earlier departure.
The final third of the Premier League season promises high drama both on and off the pitch, with managerial futures hanging in the balance as clubs assess their positions and ambitions.
