You must have heard fans chanting “sacked in the morning” to a manager whose team is not performing and it is because managers’ jobs have become the most vulnerable in recent times.
In the 2022/23 season, the Premier League saw a record 16 managers get sacked during the season. But why are football managers sacked, keep reading to find out.
What does Sacking a Manager mean? And why are Managers sacked?
In layman’s terms sacking a manager means dismissing them from their job.
A manager can be sacked due to the following reasons:
Performance and Results:
One of the primary factors influencing a manager’s job security is the team’s performance on the pitch. Football is a results-driven business, and consistently poor performances, especially in critical matches, can quickly lead to a manager’s dismissal.
Clubs have high expectations, whether it’s achieving a top-four finish, securing promotion, or winning silverware, and falling short of these objectives can spell the end for a manager.
Board and Fan Pressure:
The pressure from both the club’s board and the passionate fanbase is another critical factor that contributes to managerial sackings. Boards are under immense pressure to deliver success and financial stability, and if they perceive a manager as being unable to meet these expectations, they may opt for a change.
Simultaneously, vocal fan dissatisfaction, manifested through protests, social media campaigns, or even dwindling attendance, can force the hand of club owners and directors.
Style of Play and Philosophy:
Beyond results, the style of play and football philosophy adopted by a manager can also impact their tenure. If a manager’s tactics are perceived as uninspiring, overly defensive, or incompatible with the club’s identity, it may lead to their dismissal.
Clubs often seek not only positive results but also an attractive brand of football that resonates with the fans and aligns with the club’s historical ethos.
Player Relationships and Squad Harmony:
Maintaining a harmonious relationship with the squad is crucial for a manager’s success. If there is evidence of player discontent, internal conflicts, or a lack of motivation within the team, it can be a catalyst for a managerial change.
The ability to manage egos, inspire players, and create a cohesive unit is fundamental to a manager’s success and longevity.
Transfer Market Failures:
Managers are often involved in the recruitment process, and if their signings fail to deliver or if there is a perceived lack of success in the transfer market, it can jeopardize their position. Clubs invest significant sums in player acquisitions, and if these investments do not yield the expected returns, managers may be held accountable.
Survival:
Surviving in the league is the very least expectation of every football team and when a club is threatened by relegation the board could try and ensure survival in the league they are playing in by appointing managers who have a reputation of helping teams survive relegation.
In the Premier League, Ray Hodgson and Sean Dyche have been associated with this kind of appointment.
Conclusion:
Football is a result-driven business and The decision to sack a football manager is a complex and multifaceted process, influenced by a combination of on-field results, fan and board pressure, playing style, squad dynamics, transfer market success, and economic considerations.
The delicate balance between short-term success and long-term stability is one that clubs must navigate wisely to achieve sustained success on the pitch.
