Football: Which Manager Will Boss This Season?

The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world and not just on the pitch. The dugout has a rich variety of managerial talent. Of last season’s top six, who is going to come out at the very top in 2017-18?

Antonio Conte: Chelsea

The Italian with the flowing locks led Chelsea to the title last year, showing his tactical awareness when things weren’t going his way.  After a stuttering start, he switched to a more fluid formation with three at the back and the Blues didn’t look back.

In addition, Conte built up a great rapport with the fans.  His goal celebrations invariably included a flying leap into the bottom tier of Stamford Bridge’s East Stand.

He will have to find a replacement for Diego Costa but expect Conte’s team to come out on top again.

Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham Hotspur

His first season in charge, 2015-16, saw Spurs finish third behind Leicester City and Arsenal.  Last term they did even better and although they were never likely to overtake Chelsea, Pochettino continued to make friends.

Tottenham were imperious at times and in Harry Kane and Delli Alli they have two players destined for great things.

There is strength in depth but it is Pochettino’s calm demeanour and tactical awareness that should have them challenging once again.

The lack of early transfer business is an issue..

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool

Klopp’s side flattered to deceive last season.  At times they seemed unbeatable but in other games they looked like a Sunday League side who had never played together. Klopp also needs to harness the power of the Kop, which continues to demand a league title. The charismatic German has all the right soundbites, coupled with a ready wit. That is a sure-fire way to win the fans over but he has to deliver on the pitch.

There is no point in reaching cup finals if you don’t win them and Klopp must bring consistency if he is to remain the darling of Anfield.

It could be another frustrating season for Liverpool but loads of transfer time to go

Pep Guardiola: Manchester City

His first season in English football was ultimately a disappointment.  After many years in Spain followed by unbroken success at Bayern Munich, Guardiola was ill-prepared for trips to Stoke and West Bromwich.  Those are the games that define success in this country.

Barcelona and Bayern dominate their domestic leagues but the playing field is more level in England. Guardiola is still highly-respected but he needs to deliver on a less forgiving stage. His management of players like John Stones will be crucial.

Will he keep faith with a player who has stacks of potential but is always just seconds away from a mistake that will cost his team three points?  He’s has built a solid defence with transfer funds. Look to challenge all the way this season.

Arsene Wenger: Arsenal

Always an enigma, Wenger has endured many a backlash from fans in his time at Arsenal.  Seemingly on the verge of dismissal last season, the studious Frenchman managed to wangle a new contract, despite failing to qualify for the Champions League.

He now has to get used to the Thursday-Sunday cycle of the Europa League.  He is running out of time to tweak his squad and that will cost him.

Add Lacazette but lose Sanchez and they are probably even. They need a statement like Mbappe to change the squad’s ambition and actually challenge.

Jose Mourinho: Manchester United

What is left to say about Jose?  The ultimate winner, he managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat last season, as United qualified for the Champions League via the Europa League.

Jose’s first season was to sort out the mess of previous managers. Exit Rooney and others and the squad is starting to look like his.

Ever controversial, he is never afraid to take his players to task and will never shirk from criticising the press. Lindelof and Lukaku are great additions to an already talented squad and if Mourinho can keep them all happy, United will be a force this season.

If they get a good start you never know with United.

The top six again look so strong and it is difficult to see where a challenge to their supremacy will come from.  Everton has potential, led by another rising star of management Ronald Koeman, but it will need a big season from the Toffees to break into the promised land.

Everything points towards another huge season in the Premier League and it will be equally important for the men in suits.  Whether they jump into the crowd, berate all those around them or silently go about their business, the managers will be plotting the destiny of the title.

We can’t wait.

 

by Ian Hine

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