What Factors Drive Managerial Pressure: Results, Fans, or Fall-Outs?

The pressure on football managers in the Premier League can escalate rapidly, as demonstrated by Thomas Frank's precarious position at Tottenham just seven months into his tenure. Following a series of disappointing results, Frank faces increasing scrutiny from fans and club executives alike, mirroring the challenges experienced by other managers like Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace. The landscape of managerial stability is fraught with risks, often hinging on results, fan support, and relationships with club hierarchies.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of late October 2023, Thomas Frank's role as manager of Tottenham Hotspur is under serious threat following a dismal run of performances. Fans expressed their discontent during a recent 2-1 defeat against West Ham, chanting that he would be "sacked in the morning." This sentiment indicates a loss of faith that may prompt Spurs' management to consider a change. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner has publicly lamented feeling "abandoned" by his club, adding to the growing list of managers facing pressure in the league.

Key takeaways

Thomas Frank is facing significant pressure at Tottenham due to poor results.
Fan support plays a crucial role in a manager’s job security.
Discontent amongst club hierarchies can lead to abrupt managerial changes.

Timeline: how we got here

Key events in the Premier League that have shaped the current managerial landscape include:

1 January 2023: Chelsea sacked Enzo Maresca after a series of poor results.
5 January 2023: Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim just five days into the new year.
October 2023: Thomas Frank's and Oliver Glasner's positions come under increasing scrutiny.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent developments highlight the precarious nature of managerial positions, with Frank facing chants from Tottenham supporters and Glasner openly expressing dissatisfaction with his club's management. These statements and reactions indicate a growing frustration that often precedes managerial changes.

What was already established

The trend of short managerial tenures in the Premier League has been apparent for years, with fan sentiment and results driving decisions. Recent sackings of Maresca and Amorim demonstrate how quickly circumstances can shift in the league.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The instability in managerial roles can affect fans' engagement with their clubs, influencing attendance and merchandise sales. A club's poor performance can lead to decreased ticket sales and a lack of investment in related fan activities.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs often face financial implications following managerial changes, especially if relegation becomes a risk. The potential loss of Premier League status can significantly affect revenue streams, impacting jobs both on and off the pitch.

Policy and regulation

While there are currently no changes to regulations regarding managerial appointments, the growing trend of short managerial tenures may prompt clubs to reassess their hiring and firing practices, leading to a potential shift in how they approach managerial contracts.

Numbers that matter

27: The number of permanent Premier League managers appointed since the 2023-24 season began.
15: The number of managers who have already left their clubs this season.
10: The number of games Crystal Palace has gone without a win under Glasner.
£230 million: The financial risk associated with relegation for Leeds United, which ultimately led to their managerial change last season.
39 days: The length of Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Nottingham Forest, the shortest in Premier League history.

Definitions and jargon buster

Managerial tenure: The period during which a manager is in charge of a team.
Relegation: The condition of being demoted to a lower division due to poor performance.
Fan sentiment: The feelings and opinions of the supporters of a football club, often expressed during matches or through social media.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, both Frank and Glasner must focus on improving results to regain support. Tottenham faces crucial fixtures that could determine Frank's fate, while Palace needs to break their winless streak to stabilise Glasner's position.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If results do not improve, both managers may face dismissal. Clubs could start looking for replacements, considering candidates with a proven track record in high-pressure situations.

Signals to watch

Upcoming fixtures and results for both Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
Fan reactions during matches, particularly in home games.
Statements from club executives regarding managerial support.

Practical guidance

Do

Monitor fan sentiment closely; it can be a strong indicator of a manager's job security.
Evaluate the club's financial situation; relegation risks may influence managerial decisions.
Consider historical patterns of managerial changes when assessing a manager's future.

Don’t

Ignore the influence of fans; their support or dissent plays a critical role in managerial stability.
Underestimate the impact of poor results; consistent losses can quickly lead to a sacking.
Disregard the significance of relationships within the club; tensions with owners can be detrimental.

Checklist

Evaluate recent match performances and results.
Assess the current standing of the club in the league table.
Review fan attitudes expressed during games.
Consider the club's financial health and potential risks.
Monitor news for any changes in club management or strategy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the situation for Frank and Glasner is precarious, the dynamics of managerial positions in football can change rapidly. Factors such as upcoming fixtures, player performances, and club ownership changes can significantly impact a manager's future. The volatile nature of football means that predictions about job security should be approached with caution.

Bottom line

The current pressure on Thomas Frank at Tottenham and Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace highlights the fragile nature of managerial roles in the Premier League. As results dictate success or failure, both managers must strive to turn their fortunes around quickly to maintain their positions. With fan sentiment and financial considerations at play, the next few weeks will be crucial for their futures.

FAQs

What are the main reasons for a football manager being sacked?

The primary reasons for a football manager's dismissal include poor results, loss of fan support, and conflicts with club hierarchy.

How does fan sentiment impact a manager's job security?

Fan sentiment is crucial; vocal discontent during matches can lead to increased pressure on management to make changes.

What can clubs do to avoid managerial instability?

Clubs can focus on building strong relationships between managers, players, and executives, and ensure clear strategies for performance expectations.