The Athletic FC Podcast Is ‘sacking season’ still a thing?
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Dec 10, 2025 Sports journalists Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley dive into the dynamics of managerial stability in football this season. They discuss the traditional 'sacking season' and how clubs are showing surprising patience, fueled by financial factors and league competitiveness. The conversation highlights the pressures on new managers, including player buy-in and club expectations. They also explore the rise of young coaches like Cesc Fàbregas at Como and the challenges for established managers like Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
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When A Manager's Job Is Really Over
- A manager becomes untenable when expectations and performances diverge significantly.
- Fan hostility, owner-manager breakdowns or loss of player buy-in usually signal imminent dismissal.
The FA Cup Turnaround Effect
- Mark Critchley described Eric ten Hag's FA Cup win flipping public sentiment about his job.
- A single unexpected result can reverse a manager's perceived fate almost overnight.
Why Mid-Season Appointments Struggle
- Mid-season hires face limited training time, no pre-season and transfer restrictions.
- That makes it much harder to implement new tactics quickly and explains many short-term failures.