So your club just parted ways with their manager.
Whether by mutual agreement or more likely a conventional ‘sacking,’ so begins the scramble to appoint the best available option. Whilst many elite coaches are already in post, there remains a number of high-profile managers out of work, perhaps looking to make a return sooner rather than later.
Here Are 9 Top Football Managers Out of Work
9. Graham Potter
Chelsea appointed Graham Potter as Thomas Tuchel's replacement in September 2022 on a five-year deal. But the following April, he left the club after just seven months in charge, having won only seven of his 22 Premier League games. Potter could reportedly return to Brighton or join Championship side Swansea. The Englishman wants to ensure 'he is aligned with the strategy and long-term plan of his next club,' with Ajax also expressing interest.
8. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester United sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021 following a 4-1 defeat at Watford. The club had won one of their previous seven Premier League matches and dropped to seventh place in the table.
Still one of the out of work football managers, Solskjaer recently rejected an offer to take charge of the Norway women’s team. He was linked with a shock move to Bayern Munich but will likely have to rebuild his reputation via lesser European names instead.
7. Jurgen Klinsmann
In February 2024, Jurgen Klinsmann lost his job as head coach of South Korea after less than twelve months in the role. His dismissal immediately followed the country's Asian Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Jordan.
The Korea Football Association heavily criticised Klinsmann's overall leadership approach and stated that a change was "necessary." Klinsmann is on the shortlist to replace Cameroon boss Rigobert Song, whose firing came after their exit from the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations Round 16 and a defeat to Nigeria.
6. Joachim Low
Joachim Low announced his resignation as Germany’s national coach after the close of Euro 2020. His 62% win rate remains the country’s finest record to date, leading Germany to 124 wins in 198 games. Low stepped down after 15 years in charge but confirmed his wish to manage again at some stage. Reportedly, he is now eyeing a return to the international scene and is interested in taking charge of a big name.
5. Edin Terzić
Edin Terzić, a highly regarded manager, is currently out of work after leaving Borussia Dortmund in June 2024. Having started his coaching career as a scout and assistant in Dortmund's youth academy under Jürgen Klopp, Terzić gained further experience as Slaven Bilić's assistant at Beşiktaş and West Ham United.
His career trajectory saw him return to Dortmund in 2018, initially as an assistant coach, before stepping in as interim manager in 2020. Terzić led Dortmund to DFB-Pokal success and, following a brief role as technical director, was reappointed head coach, guiding the team to the 2023 Champions League final.
4. Massimiliano Allegri
Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed as Juventus manager shortly after leading the team to victory in the 2024 Coppa Italia final. The decision came after Allegri's behaviour during the match, including a rant at officials and dismissing the sporting director. Allegri had a successful first stint with Juventus from 2014 to 2019, winning multiple titles and reaching the Champions League final twice. However, his second tenure, which began in 2021, saw a decline in performance, with the team finishing fourth and seventh in his two full seasons.
3. Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez, having begun his managerial career with Al-Sadd in Qatar, transitioned to Barcelona in November 2021. In his first season with Barcelona, he faced challenges but laid the groundwork for success.
In his second season, Xavi led Barcelona to a league title, finishing 10 points clear. His third season was less successful due to injuries and off-field issues, culminating in his dismissal. Despite these setbacks, Xavi's achievements suggest he could be a sought-after free agent in the future.
2. Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool and football in early 2024 due to a loss of energy, and will be seeking a new role after his sabbatical. While Klopp isn’t planning his next move yet, he has already been linked to jobs with several clubs, including the England national team.
Known for transforming both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp's exciting football style makes him a highly sought-after manager, who can choose his next position when he’s ready to return.
1. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane resigned as Real Madrid manager for the second time in May 2021. Los Blancos failed to win a trophy during the 2020/21 season and lost the La Liga title to city rivals Atletico Madrid on a dramatic final day.
The Frenchman has since publicly stated he will return to management at “some stage in the future.” Zidane has been mentioned for the Bayern Munich job whilst continuously linked with Premier League giants Manchester United and Ligue 1 club PSG.
Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, X [Twitter] and Instagram.
Comments