Premier League 2025/26: Ranking the Managers Most Likely to Be Sacked First

August 25, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The Premier League is one of the most unforgiving environments for football managers, where pressure from fans, owners, and results can quickly decide a coach’s future. Based on recent performances, expectations, and club dynamics, here’s a detailed look at the 20 managers ranked from safest to most at risk of losing their job this season.

20. Arne Slot – Liverpool

Arne Slot had a dream start to life at Anfield, winning the Premier League title in his debut season. Backed by major signings like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, he’s among the safest managers right now, with full support from both the fans and the board.

19. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City

Despite finishing third last season, Guardiola remains secure thanks to his track record and a new contract until 2027. City have invested heavily in a squad rebuild, and unless results collapse entirely, his position is not in jeopardy.

18. Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace

Glasner led Palace to their first-ever major trophy by winning the FA Cup, instantly becoming a club hero. With a European campaign ahead, his job is safe, though keeping key players will be his biggest challenge.

17. Eddie Howe – Newcastle United

Howe ended Newcastle’s 56-year trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup and securing Champions League football. While expectations are rising under Saudi ownership, his success so far gives him solid job security.

16. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal

Arteta’s Arsenal finished second again last season but still haven’t won the Premier League title. Patience could start wearing thin if he doesn’t deliver silverware soon, especially with high-profile signings like Viktor Gyökeres joining the squad.

15. Unai Emery – Aston Villa

Emery has revitalized Aston Villa, guiding them back into Europe and building a competitive squad. However, missing out on the top five last season was a blow, and while his job is currently safe, another poor campaign could raise questions.

14. Fabian Hürzeler – Brighton & Hove Albion

Fabian Hurzeler — Photo: Brightonandhovealbion.com

At just 31, Hürzeler became the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history and impressed with an eighth-place finish. While he’s highly rated, Brighton fans will expect him to push for a trophy soon to maintain momentum.

13. Enzo Maresca – Chelsea

Maresca delivered Chelsea a FIFA Club World Cup title and a Conference League trophy, but Stamford Bridge remains a volatile place. With Todd Boehly’s reputation for quick changes, a bad run of results could see pressure build rapidly.

12. David Moyes – Everton

Moyes returned to Everton and helped them stabilize after another relegation battle, finishing 13th despite a points deduction. While optimism has returned, the board will expect further progress to avoid slipping back into trouble.

11. Andoni Iraola – Bournemouth

Iraola has transformed Bournemouth into an exciting, fearless side, earning famous wins over Manchester United and Arsenal. However, with star players departing, the club must adapt quickly to maintain its mid-table stability.

10. Thomas Frank – Tottenham Hotspur

After a successful spell at Brentford, Frank stepped up to lead Tottenham but inherited a squad coming off a disastrous 17th-place finish. With Champions League football on the horizon, he faces immense pressure to turn things around fast.

9. Marco Silva – Fulham

Silva continues to overachieve at Fulham despite losing key players like João Palhinha. While fans adore him, a lack of investment and his contract situation could put his long-term future in doubt if results dip.

8. Régis Le Bris – Sunderland

Le Bris led Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 and is considered a bright young tactician. However, survival will be his biggest test, and failure to adapt quickly could bring early pressure.

7. Vítor Pereira – Wolverhampton Wanderers

Vitor Pereira — Vlad1988 / Shutterstock.com

Pereira rescued Wolves from relegation last season but faces another uphill battle after losing several key players. His ability to keep the team competitive will determine how long his honeymoon period lasts.

6. Daniel Farke – Leeds United

Farke guided Leeds back to the top flight but already faces skepticism from the owners, who were reportedly eyeing José Mourinho. With a thin squad and tough fixtures ahead, a poor start could put his position in jeopardy.

5. Ruben Amorim – Manchester United

Amorim endured a disastrous debut season, finishing 15th—the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish. Backed with big summer signings, he must deliver immediate improvements or face mounting pressure from fans and owners alike.

4. Scott Parker – Burnley

Parker guided Burnley back to the Premier League with an impressive defensive record, but survival will be a huge challenge. Losing star goalkeeper James Trafford has left the team vulnerable, and relegation struggles could cost him his job.

3. Keith Andrews – Brentford

Promoted from Brentford’s coaching staff after Thomas Frank’s departure, Andrews faces enormous expectations in his first managerial role. Losing key players like Bryan Mbeumo makes his job even harder, and early setbacks could prove costly.

2. Nuno Espírito Santo – Nottingham Forest

Nuno shocked everyone by leading Forest to a seventh-place finish last season, but reports suggest the club is already considering parting ways after a poor start. His future could depend on the next few results.

1. Graham Potter – West Ham United

Potter tops the list of managers most at risk after a disastrous 3-0 opening-day defeat to Sunderland. Despite public backing from the board, fan confidence is fading fast, and if results don’t improve quickly, he could be the first manager sacked this season.