Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Post-Guardiola era: Premier League sees biggest managerial churn since WWII
The Premier League is a big football competition in England.
A famous coach named Pep Guardiola, who made Manchester City very strong, is leaving.
Lots of teams are getting new coaches at the same time.
In fact, nine clubs have hired someone new.
That is the biggest change since the year after World War II ended.
Enzo Maresca, who used to work with Guardiola, is taking over at Manchester City.
Xabi Alonso is the new coach at Chelsea.
Roberto de Zerbi is coaching Tottenham, and Andoni Iraola is coaching Liverpool.
Everyone is excited to see who will become the next great coach, because the number one spot is now open.
It could be a very exciting but also unpredictable season.
Nine Premier League clubs have appointed new managers, the most sweeping churn since 1946-47.
Former deputy Enzo Maresca succeeds Pep Guardiola at Manchester City after an 18-month Chelsea stint.
Xabi Alonso arrives at Chelsea, the London club's eleventh manager hired in half a decade.
Roberto de Zerbi takes charge at Tottenham Hotspur after saving the club from relegation.
Five of the traditional top six start the new season with new managers, leaving the 'superpower manager' throne vacant.
- Who
- Pep Guardiola is departing Manchester City; new managers include Enzo Maresca (City), Xabi Alonso (Chelsea), Roberto de Zerbi (Tottenham), Andoni Iraola (Liverpool) and Michael Carrick (Manchester United).
- What
- The Premier League enters a post-Guardiola era with the biggest wave of managerial changes since 1946-47, as clubs jostle to fill the vacant 'superpower manager' role.
- When
- Ahead of the upcoming Premier League season; the article notes preseason preparations took place in the US.
- Where
- The English Premier League, spanning clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea (Stamford Bridge), Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United.
- Why
- Guardiola's departure leaves the league's top managerial throne vacant, prompting a season of renewal, regeneration and new coaching philosophies.
- Clubs with new managers
- 9
- Previous comparable churn
- 1946-47 (after World War II)
- Manchester City successor
- Enzo Maresca
- Chelsea's new manager
- Xabi Alonso
- Tottenham's new manager
- Roberto de Zerbi
- Liverpool's new manager
- Andoni Iraola
- Spurs' midfield investment
- 185 million pounds (Tonali, Matheus Fernandes)
- Traditional top six with new manager
- 5 of 6