The NINE Premier League clubs starting the season with a new manager

A record nine Premier League clubs begin this season under new management, making it one of the most turbulent off-seasons for the managerial merry-go-round in the competition’s history. 

Anyone keeping across the matchday odds this term will find online football betting markets already adjusting for just how much change has taken place in dugouts across the division before placing their judgement on how each club might fare.

The full list

Here’s the full list of clubs starting the new campaign with a new man in charge:

• Xabi Alonso, Chelsea
• Enzo Maresca, Manchester City
• Andoni Iraola, Liverpool
• Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle United
• Marco Rose, Bournemouth
• Oliver Glasner, Nottingham Forest
• Pierre Sage, Crystal Palace
• Álvaro Arbeloa, Fulham
• Gary O’Neil, Ipswich Town

The big clubs feeling the change

The sheer scale of this turnover is striking. It includes three of the traditional “big six” clubs in Chelsea and Manchester City, along with a resurgent Liverpool side now under Andoni Iraola following a turbulent end to the previous campaign. Add in Newcastle’s surprise switch to Matthias Jaissle, and it’s clear that even clubs coming off strong seasons haven’t been immune to boardroom change.

Xabi Alonso, so heavily linked with a return to his stomping ground at Anfield as Arne Slot grew under pressure last season, was surprisingly snapped up by Chelsea as Blue Co. appointed their sixth permanent manager since buying the Blues. 

Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca’s appointment at the Etihad was far less of a shock. His secret talks with Manchester City while still in charge at Stamford Bridge were a huge part of his downfall in London. Maresca has massive boots to fill following Pep Guardiola’s success, and instant results will be required. 

He is aware of the task, though, saying: “It’s a challenge. It’s nice. Also, the history of the manager with many years in the same club always struggled a little bit. After Sir Alex, after Arsène. But also, it’s a challenge to try to do the right things immediately for this organisation, for the fans, for everyone.”

Fresh starts elsewhere

Elsewhere, the appointments reflect clubs looking for fresh direction after difficult periods. Nottingham Forest’s move for Oliver Glasner, Fulham turning to club legend Álvaro Arbeloa, and Crystal Palace bringing in Pierre Sage all point to hierarchies eager to reset following underwhelming form or off-field upheaval. 

Promoted side Ipswich Town round out the list with Gary O’Neil, tasked with establishing Premier League survival from his very first game in charge. Kieran McKenna walked away from the Tractor Boys following a successful five years at the club, passing up the opportunity at another crack at Premier League management. 

What it means for the season

With nine of 20 clubs starting the season under new leadership, this term looks set to be defined by transition as much as by results. Early fixtures will carry extra significance, as new managers look to build momentum and trust with their squads before the pressure of a long season sets in. 

For neutral supporters, it also makes for one of the most unpredictable openings to a Premier League campaign in recent memory, with plenty of new tactical ideas, differing styles, and untested pairings between manager and squad all set to collide from matchday one.