New Manager Appointments

With the footballing season now nearing its half point at Christmas, there have been various sackings and appointments of new managers in the whole world. This article will go through the most notable ones so far.

Ralf Rangnick – Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjær had a very underwhelming start to the season. With the likes of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo all signing for the club in the summer transfer window, a lot more was expected from the Norwegian coach. With Manchester United now sitting in 9th place in the league, former Lokomotiv Moscow Director of Football Rangnick has a lot of work ahead of him. The German coach is regarded very highly among football fans, with Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp warning the league saying this is not good news for the rest of the league. Ralf is known for his high pressing style of football, the ‘gegenpress’ and kickstarted the managerial career of Thomas Tuchel, one of the best coaches in modern football.

Xavi Hernández – FC Barcelona

It is no news that Barcelona is struggling a lot this season, with the departure of the 7-time balloon d’or winner Lionel Messi, the side from Catalunya are currently experiencing a rebuilding phase. The club is at risk of not qualifying for the next round of the Champions League, something that is just unacceptable for a club with their profound history. Former midfielder and club legend Xavi has a lot of work ahead of him, with the upcoming game against Bayern Munich very much deciding any European success that the club may have this season.

Antonio Conte – Tottenham Hotspur

Having just won Inter’s first Scudetto in 11 years, and winning the premier league with Chelsea in 2017, Conte is a proven winner, something that Tottenham look to achieve. Having won their last major trophy in 2008, Spurs are looking to establish themselves as one of the biggest teams in England. Nuno Espírito Santo had been hired from Wolverhampton at the start of the season, but the former Portuguese goalkeeper did not last long in the job as he struggled to get the team going. Currently at risk of being knocked out in the Conference League, Conte does not have a colourful road for the next couple of months.

Steven Gerrard – Aston Villa

Gerrard had a wonderful season with Rangers in Scotland, having won the league undefeated and putting an end to Celtic’s dominance. His move to the premier league was just a matter of time. With Aston Villa being one of the biggest spenders in the summer, their current 13th position in the league justifies Gerrard’s appointment. With the absence of Jack Grealish being felt at Villa Park, it is up to Gerrard to turn the situation around.