Top European football clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool are in the race of the clubs likely to be looking for a new manager at the end of the season.
Fortunately, there are a lot of high-profile managers and coaches who are available right now to accept the jobs or will be available before the summer, either when their contracts expire at the end of the season or after the World Cup.
Sporting Tribune profiles 10 promising and proven managers who are or will be available this summer.
Xabi Alonso
Despite a relatively short tenure at Real Madrid ending by mutual consent in January, Alonso remains the most sought-after name in football. His “invincible” Bundesliga title with Leverkusen is still fresh in the memory, and while his pragmatic approach at the Bernabeu divided some, his 2.37 points-per-game record proves he can handle the highest pressure.
Andoni Iraola
After three transformative seasons at Bournemouth, Iraola is stepping away. He has turned the Cherries into one of the Premier League’s most aesthetically pleasing sides, blending complex tactical pressing with a clear identity. For any “Big Six” club looking for a modern, forward-thinking coach, Iraola is the logical choice.
Mauricio Pochettino
Currently at the helm of the United States national team (USMNT), Pochettino’s availability this summer is the subject of intense speculation. With links back to Tottenham (where interim Igor Tudor has struggled) and Manchester United, “Poch” remains the ultimate project manager. If he decides his international stint is a short-term mission, he will be the first call for any club needing a culture reset.
Oliver Glasner
Glasner’s time at Crystal Palace ended in a cloud of “sullen press conferences,” but his track record is undeniable. Having won the Europa League with Frankfurt and domestic silverware with Palace, he is a proven winner in knockout competitions. He might be prickly, but he delivers results.
Enzo Maresca
The Italian’s reputation survived a chaotic 18 months at Chelsea. While he didn’t restore the Blues to their former glory, his tactical flexibility and City-influenced style have kept him in the conversation for elite jobs. Rumours of a return to Manchester City (should Pep Guardiola finally move on) refuse to go away.
Xavi Hernandez
Nearly two years since leaving Barcelona, Xavi is refreshed and hunting for a “four-year project.” He has been vocal about his desire to test himself in the Premier League. His tactical pedigree is elite, though his demand for total control over a “long-term vision” might scare off more impulsive owners.
Didier Deschamps
Strange as it sounds, the man who led France to back-to-back World Cup finals is often overlooked for club roles. Deschamps is the ultimate replica of an Ancelotti-style, a man who excels at managing superstars. If a club like Real Madrid or PSG wants a steady hand to manage a locker room of “Galacticos,” Deschamps is the man.
Ruben Amorim
Amorim’s stint at Manchester United was, by most accounts, a mismatch, but his stock remains high in Europe. Like David Moyes before him, his failure at Old Trafford is seen by many as a symptom of the club’s internal issues rather than his own coaching ability. His success in Portugal still makes him an attractive “reclamation project” for a top European side.
Thomas Frank
While his name was briefly linked with the Tottenham job before they pivoted elsewhere, Frank’s steady hand and data-driven approach make him a “floor-raiser” for any mid-to-upper-table Premier League side. Fulham, Bournemouth, and West Ham are all reportedly monitoring his situation.
Igor Tudor
Currently the interim at Tottenham, Tudor has found the transition difficult, famously critiquing his squad’s “lack of brain.” While he may not land another “Big Six” job immediately, his aggressive, high-intensity style makes him a prime candidate for a return to Serie A or a top-tier job in France.
