It’s not often that we see managerial movements dominate the headlines but that’s exactly the case at the moment. Following the conclusion of domestic leagues across Europe, several managers have either left and were asked to vacate their position by the club. Even title-winning managers have departed their positions despite enjoying successful seasons. Here, we look at some of the managerial changes that have taken place recently or about to happen following the conclusion of the top five leagues in Europe.
The Serie A exchange program
Juventus fire Pirlo to bring back Allegri
Former Serie A champions decided to part ways with club legend Andrea Pirlo after just one season in charge. The former midfielder had replaced Maurizio Sarri in August 2020 and nearly missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Good luck, @Pirlo_official and thank you for these emotions! 🏆🏆⚪⚫
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 28, 2021
Under Pirlo’s watch, Juventus’ nine-year reign as Serie A champions came to an end. As a result, the club from Turin has turned to their former manager Massimiliano Allegri, who has signed a contract until June 2025.
Allegri was thought to be a target for Real Madrid, who parted ways with Zinedine Zidane recently. However, no firm contact from the Spanish club saw the Italian coach decide to return to Juventus on a €9m per year salary.
Inzaghi to Inter, Gattuso to Fiorentina and Spalletti to Napoli
Juventus aren’t the only Italian club that has witnessed a change of managers in the off season though. After leading Inter Milan to the Serie A title, Antonio Conte and the Nerazzurri decided to mutually terminate his contract following a boardroom fallout. Inter are on the verge of announcing Simone Inzaghi as their new manager.
Meanwhile, Gennaro Gattuso, who was sacked by Napoli less than a week ago, is set to take charge of Fiorentina. The vacant managerial spot at Napoli, meanwhile, is likely to be filled by Luciano Spalletti, who has managed Serie A outfits AS Roma and Inter in the past.
Title-winning Ligue 1 manager on the move
Christophe Galtier to stay in France
By the time Christophe Galtier was leading Lille to a historic Ligue 1 title, his heart was already set on moving away from the club. The 54-year-old had already announced that he would leave Lille at the end of the season and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says his next club is most likely going to be OGC Nice.
Premier League’s sweet reunion
Spurs want Pochettino back
After joining Paris Saint-Germain in January, reports have emerged that Mauricio Pochettino is once again a wanted man in north London. His former employers Tottenham Hotspur are keen on a potential reunion. This, however, could be a long shot as despite Pochettino’s desire to return to Spurs, PSG could be unwilling to part ways and find a new manager at the moment.
Furthermore, The Guardian has reported that Pochettino is wanted by Real Madrid and is being pursued by club president Florentino Perez. A few other outsiders in the running for the Tottenham job are Brighton’s Graham Potter and former RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick. Conte is another option but that remains a long shot.
Featured photo: AFP / Isabella Binotto, Franck Fife
