Football management is the toughest job in the world. While at the top there are bouquets waiting for you, while in the slump the calls for a sack are inevitable. English Premier League is one of the most unforgiving and tough places to be a manager. Here we look at 7 EPL managers who were sacked Mid-season this campaign.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United
The baby faced assassin replaced Jose Mourinho mid-season in 2018 when the results weren’t great. Ole led Manchester united to a quarter-final appearance later that season in the Champions League against Barcelona. He was given the job and led Manchester United to a top 3 finish every time. With the signings of Varane, Sancho and Ronaldo, he was expected to challenge for the titles. Ole was sacked after a run of bad results and players giving up on his tactics. Ole had the 3rd best record as a United manager with a win percentage of 54. Ole led United in 168 games winning 91, losing 40 and 37 games drawn.
Steve Bruce – Newcastle United
The former Manchester United defender was sacked and replaced by Eddie Howe after Newcastle found themselves in the bottom 3. A Saudi consortium led by Mohammad Bin Salman bought the club from Mike Ashley and Bruce was sacked within a few days of the take over. Bruce was the manager with the Geordies for 2 years leading them 97 games with 28 wins, 28 draws and 41 losses.
Rafa Benitez – Everton
A former Champions League across the Merseyside at Liverpool, the Spanish manager was expected to deliver the goods at Everton. But Everton found itself in a soup and near the relegation zone when Benitez was sacked and replaced by Frank Lampard on a permanent basis. In 22 games under Benitez, Everton won 7 lost 10 and drew 5.
Claudio Ranieri – Watford
An Italian veteran who did the impossible by leading Leicester City to an EPL title win. The much travelled Italian replace Xisco Munez mid-season only to last 14 games at Vicarage Road. Watford are currently 19th in the table. Ranieri won just two games, losing 11 and one match was drawn. Roy Hodgson has since relaced him at Watford FC.
Dean Smith – Aston Villa
The man credited with the revival of Aston Villa was sacked after a run of poor results. Smith took over Villa when they were 14th in the championship and got them back into the EPL. After 5 continuous losses, Smith was sacked after being in charge for 139 games at Villa Park.
