Erik Ten Hag, who had parted ways with Manchester United, was appointed as the manager of Bayer Leverkusen when Xabi Alonso left the German Club after a very successful two-season stint.
Ruben Amorim, the much sought after Portuguese, had been appointed Manchester United’s Manager, with huge expectations. He was considered to be the best to reclaim United’s glorious past.
Xabi Alonso was riding high on his success in Germany, which landed him the prestigious job of managing Spanish Giants Real Madrid. Barcelona had won the previous season in La Liga, and now the expectations were that Alonso would win it for Real Madrid.
The fortunes, however, of these three Managers dwindled in an unprecedented way.
Erik Ten Hag was dumped after just 3 games. It was one of the shortest stints for any Manager. The sacking came as a big surprise to many, considering the lack of time Erik Ten Hag got with the team. But it was all over even before he had started.
Ruben Amorim continued for a bit more and made it to the latest season. There was improvement too, with United getting into the top 10 in the EPL table. However, United’s owners surely wanted more and decided to give Amorim the sack in mid-season.
Xabi Alonso carried expectations on his shoulders. Real Madrid were trailing Barcelona by 4 points in La Liga. A few performances were a bit indifferent, but still, there was ample time for Alonso to bounce back. However, the loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final melted the patience of the owners, and Xabi Alonso was sacked too.
Ange Postecoglou left Tottenham and was made Manager of Nottingham Forest after Nuno Santos, who had done a great job with Forest was unceremoniously removed. Postecoglou lasted just 39 days and 8 games and was sacked for good.
Enzo Maresca too suffered a similar fate with Chelsea, and despite not too bad a performance, had to face the sack.
The sackings are a reflection of the growing pressures in Football Clubs. Quick turnarounds and instant success are a must. Patience has thinned to the point of exasperation. And of course, the need to exercise control over the team and even the style of play is turning into a habit.
This season indeed is a ‘ Season of Sacks ‘, where no one is safe, irrespective of one’s past performances or pedigree.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory YouTube Channel