The Premier League is known for its intense competition and high stakes. With the pressure to perform consistently at a top level, it’s no surprise that being a manager in the Premier League can be an incredibly demanding and precarious job. The 2022–23 season proved to be one of the most chaotic in recent history, with a staggering number of sackings that sent shockwaves throughout the football world. In this article, we will delve into the turbulent season and explore the challenges faced by the managers who found themselves on the chopping block.
Scott Parker: Bournemouth’s Struggles and Early Dismissal
The chaos began early in the season when Scott Parker, the manager of AFC Bournemouth, was the first to face the axe. After conceding a staggering 16 goals in just three games, including a humiliating 9-0 defeat against Liverpool, losing 3 of the 4 games in the league making Parker’s position became untenable. He was sacked on August 30 and replaced by Gary O’Neil.
Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea’s Disappointing Start
Thomas Tuchel, the highly regarded manager who led Chelsea to a Champions League victory, couldn’t escape the wrath of a poor start to the season. Despite his previous success, Tuchel was sacked on September 7, only 15 months after lifting the prestigious trophy. His departure came after Chelsea’s lackluster performance, losing three out of their first seven games (2 League games 1 Champions League). Graham Potter, formerly of Brighton, took over the reins at Stamford Bridge.
Bruno Lage: Wolves’ Relegation Battle
The pressure of a relegation battle took its toll on Bruno Lage, the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers. With Wolves languishing in the relegation zone, Lage was dismissed on October 2 after losing 4 of the 9 games. Julen Lopetegui was appointed as his replacement, tasked with steering the team away from the danger zone.
Steven Gerrard: Aston Villa’s Poor Form
Despite a promising start to the season with signings Philippe Coutinho £17m & Diego Carlos £26m, Steven Gerrard’s tenure at Aston Villa was cut short due to a string of disappointing results. Gerrard was sacked on October 20 after losing to newly promoted Fulham 2-0, 12 games played 2 wins 3 draws 5 lost. Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery stepped in to take charge.
Ralph Hasenhuttl: Southampton’s Continued Struggles
Ralph Hasenhuttl, the long-serving manager of Southampton, faced mounting pressure as his team struggled to find consistency. After months of uncertainty, Hasenhuttl was finally dismissed on November 7. 3 wins 3 draws 8 lost in 14 games. Nathan Jones, previously managing Luton, was appointed as his successor, but his time at the club was short-lived.
Frank Lampard: Everton’s Slide Down the Table
Frank Lampard, a former Premier League player turned manager, experienced a turbulent season at Everton. A poor run of 11 defeats in 14 games led to Lampard’s sacking in 23rd January. 3 wins 6 draws in 21 games. Sean Dyche was chosen as his replacement to stabilize the team’s performance.
Jesse Marsch: Leeds United’s Relegation Woes
Jesse Marsch’s reign at Leeds United was marred by their ongoing battle against relegation. The team’s dismal form prompted Marsch’s dismissal on February 6. 4 wins 6 draws 10 lost in 20 games. Javi Gracia, who had previously managed Watford, took charge but could not salvage the situation.
Nathan Jones: Southampton’s Brief Experiment
Nathan Jones, who had replaced Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton 10 November 2022, endured a brief and disappointing spell at St Mary’s. With the team failing to show signs of improvement, Jones was sacked on February 12, leaving Southampton searching for stability once again.
1 win 7 lost in 8 games in the league, they did beat Man City in the EFL cup 2-0 but that wasn’t enough to keep his job.
Patrick Vieira: Crystal Palace’s Freefall
Patrick Vieira, a legendary player, faced a daunting task as the manager of Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, the team’s downward spiral saw Vieira dismissed on March 17 2023. 6 wins 9 draws 12 lost 27 games
Roy Hodgson, a familiar face at the club, returned to take charge and guide them through a challenging period.
Antonio Conte: Tottenham’s Turmoil
Antonio Conte’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur was riddled with controversy and clashes. After a public fallout with the club’s players and owners, 15 wins 5 draws 9 lost 28 games Conte’s contract was mutually terminated on March 26. Cristian Stellini, his assistant took over after Conte.
Brendan Rodgers: Leicester’s Desperate Situation
Brendan Rodgers, a highly respected manager, faced the sack at Leicester City due to their precarious league position. A 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on April 2 pushed the club closer to relegation, resulting in Rodgers’ departure, 7 win 4 draw 17 lost in 28 games. Dean Smith was appointed as his interim replacement until the end of the season.
Graham Potter: Chelsea’s Midtable Mediocrity
Graham Potter’s brief stint as Chelsea’s manager from 8 September 2022 ended on April 2 after a disappointing spell at the club. With Chelsea sitting in eleventh place, Potter was relieved of his duties. 7 win 7 draw 8 lost 22 League games
Frank Lampard, who had previously managed the club, returned as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
The 2022–23 Premier League season will be remembered as one of the most chaotic and challenging for managers. The frequency of sackings highlighted the cutthroat nature of the football industry, where immediate results often outweigh long-term planning. The constant pressure and scrutiny faced by managers make it a demanding profession that requires resilience and adaptability.
Catch you in the next one.