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. Thomas Tuchel
It was announced in February 2024 that Thomas Tuchel would leave Bayern Munich at the end of the 2023/24 season, over a year earlier than planned as part of "a sporting realignment" at the Bundesliga club. A host of poor performances saw Bayern fail to win the Bundesliga for the first time in eleven years! Tuchel has made no secret of his love for the likes of Chelsea, England and the Premier League. He has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge and a possible move to Manchester United.
4. Hansi Flick
In September 2023, Hansi Flick became the first German national team boss to be sacked since the role was created in 1926. After replacing Joachim Low in August 2021, Flick managed just 12 wins during his 25 international matches in charge. However, he is now in pole position for a return to Bayern Munich for a second time. Flick’s first spell between 2019 and 2021 saw him guide the German side to a Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League treble.
3. Mauricio Pochettino
On the 21st of May 2024, Pochettino joined our list of top football managers currently out of work after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent. The Argentine's tenure with the Blues lasted a single season, during which he navigated significant challenges and disagreements with the club’s hierarchy. Despite guiding the team to a sixth-place finish and securing a spot in European competition, Pochettino and Chelsea parted ways following an internal review.
His frustration with limited control over transfers and strategy contributed to the decision for an amicable split. Nonetheless, Pochettino's reputation remains strong, bolstered by a late-season surge that saw Chelsea win their last five Premier League games and achieve the league’s biggest points improvement compared to the previous season.
2. Antonio Conte
In March 2023, Antonio Conte left Spurs by mutual agreement to abruptly end his 16-month tenure as head coach. The Italian boss previously labelled his players "selfish" whilst criticising the North London club's culture, suggesting they have a small club mentality. Rumours of Conte’s pending appointment by Italian sides Napoli and AC Milan have circulated amongst the press in recent weeks, with the San Siro seeming the more likely destination.
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.
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