When a new manager steps onto the pitch, he’s not just lining up a stronger formation—he’s pitching a bold new game plan that can turn underdogs into overachievers. This promise is what prompts team owners to turn to a new manager after a streak of devastating losses.
Success in the form of match wins and trophy titles are a combined effort from players and managers. But how impactful can new managers be when faced with an unfamiliar squad and playstyle? To answer this question, let’s look at how legendary managers have previously adjusted to their new roles and shaped up their squads to victories in no time.
Why teams replace managers during struggles
Teams can go through rough patches, but when the campaign run is consistently dire, replacing the manager might be the solution to the problem. Parting ways with the manager is also cheaper than letting go of the players.
Aside from the costs, many possible reasons could play a role in the managers being let go from their teams. Here are some of them:
・ Poor results – When the team is undergoing a poor stretch of form filled with defeats, that could be the reason behind a sacking/firing. The immense pressure put on the manager could hit a fever pitch, as they might lose out on an important position on the league table or the team might look lost under the manager.
・ Loss of respect in the dressing room – Some managers might lose their relationship with their players. In this case, the team directors may need to choose a side – the players or the manager? Since players are a lot more valuable, the directors will choose to let go of the manager.
・ Stagnant tactics – Managers have their signature styles, but if their tactics are easily found out by the opponents, that might be a sign they need to be swapped out with another manager with better tactics. If a team is losing too many games, including the ones where they have a high chance to win, the issue might be on the manager’s style, and not with how players perform.
New managers and their impressive success
Replacing a manager is a bold move because it is a big risk. More often than not, this decision leads to the team falling even further in the table. However, there are a few exceptional managers who turned the squad around.
Here are some of the best managers who became successful when they joined an ailing team:
Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea (2021)
Club legend Frank Lampard fulfilled his dream when he managed Chelsea, the club he represented for most of his playing career. Unfortunately, Lampard was not the right manager for the club because they underperformed with him in the job until January 2021.
That was when Chelsea sacked Lampard in favour of signing Thomas Tuchel, the former Paris Saint-Germain manager who could not win the Champions League. The German immediately transformed the Blues, as they became arguably the best defensive team in the world.
Tuchel implemented a strong defensive structure and a more pragmatic approach to matches. That led to Chelsea going on a fantastic UEFA Champions League run a few months into his tenure. The Blues won the UCL for the second time, beating fellow English club Manchester City in the final after a Kai Havertz goal.
Claudio Ranieri at Leicester City (2015/16)
Leicester City appointed Ranieri before the 2015/16 season, which led to people raising their eyebrows. The Italian was not a proven head coach, but he managed to lead the Foxes to the most improbable season in European top-flight leagues. He managed Leicester to the biggest underdog victory in Premier League history, winning the title.
It remains one of the most remarkable achievements in recent history, which is why he is remembered with great love in Leicester. He was always a calm manager who knew how to make adjustments, which led him and his squad to thrive against all odds and become the champions of England.
Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich (2019/20)
Niko Kovač was given the boot mid-way into the 2019/20 season. The job fell to assistant coach Hansi Flick, who pulled off possibly the greatest achievement a club could get. The Bavarians had a tremendous season, winning six trophies, and cementing themselves as the best team in Europe with a UCL win and all the other possible competitions.
Flick showcased why he is one of the brightest managers today: he got the most out of Robert Lewandowski, Alphonso Davies, and Serge Gnabry. That team remains one of the most unbeatable teams in modern football history because Flick had the ultra-aggressive offensive style that maximised Bayern’s potential.
Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid (2015/16)
While he is a club legend at Madrid as a player, Zidane’s appointment in 2016 had some sceptics. His lack of top-level managerial experience was the main sticking point, but that faded away. Zidane had a superb stint with Madrid as the manager, leading the club to three consecutive Champions League titles starting in 2016.
The French legend always had a calm demeanour during his time with the club. He cemented his legacy as one of the most successful managers in modern football.
The effects of getting a new manager
A new leadership can shake up things within the team, including dynamics and gameplay. Some of the most significant effects from getting a new manager are:
・ Psychological boost – A new manager brings a new perspective to the players while giving them renewed confidence. The new uplifted morale helps the players and staff, which could lead to better performances on the pitch.
・ New and fresh tactics – Different managers have their favourite styles, so a manager overhauling the system is normal. For example, Hansi Flick’s progressive playstyle brought out the best of Bayern Munich’s players. His attacking-minded tactics brought the squad their most victorious era to date—7 total trophies under Flick’s management.
・ Players may become more confident – Players who struggled with the previous manager will have a fresh slate. Their new leader may see better opportunities for their abilities and skills on the pitch.
・ The fans will have more fun with new managers – A new manager also drives renewed excitement to the fan base, as the appointment shows a club’s plans for the future and their overall vision. Fans can quickly analyse what these new managers can bring to the table, just by looking at their history and records from managing previous football teams.
・ A new environment – Leadership changes also extend into the environment at the club. This could lead to some adjustments to how they train or even the backroom staff could improve their relationships with the players because of the new manager leading the way.
The roles of a manager
In football, a manager wears plenty of hats. For the most part, tactics are the biggest part of their job, but they should also create and nurture relationships with the players. They must get the most out of the players’ talents by managing their confidence and building their skill sets up.
Here are some of the skills a manager should have whenever they are taking a job of leading a club:
・ Good tactical mind to compete with other top managers.
・ Strong communication skills.
・ Motivating personality.
・ Player management skills.
・ Strategic planner.
・ Able to deal with the pressure from the media and public.
What do teams consider in a manager?
Whenever a team is looking to hire a manager, they should have a checklist to know which candidate is the best one to get. Of course, this could change for every club, but here are some of the general considerations a club look into:
・ A good track record as a manager/coach.
・ The overall football philosophy, with how the club and the manager’s play style intersect.
・ Leadership skills.
・ The vision for the long-term future.
What to consider when betting on a team under a new manager
Player transfers and injuries are not the only personnel changes you need to check when betting on an upcoming football match. Football managers decide pitch formation, player changes, and game tactics. This makes them an important part of your betting process.
Here are a few factors to consider before betting on a squad that has a new manager:
・ Coaching history — Most new football managers of top performing clubs already had experience with other football teams. Look into the new manager’s portfolio and see what their previous achievements are. You can also check if there are past issues or concerns with the manager and their previous players.
・ Team lineup changes — Double check the starting XI of the squad after a new manager has been hired. You can see which players new managers are utilising first for their tactics. Compare the new and recent lineups to check which players have been replaced.
・ Early team performance — Early games of the season does not fully dictate the club’s entire campaign run but these first matches can give you a glimpse of whether players and their managers are in sync or not.
・ Expert opinions and analysis — Doing your own research before betting on a team under new management is important but you can also check what pundits are saying. You can read up on forums, community threads, and match previews.
However, make sure that you’re taking some opinions with a grain of salt and still rely on your own analysis when you make predictions.
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