The Premier League has undergone something of a managerial shake-up this season, with several clubs beginning the campaign with a new boss. Among them are some of the division’s biggest names, creating plenty of intrigue about which managers can deliver when the pressure starts to build.
For supporters and those following football betting, managerial changes are naturally an important part of the picture. Changes in tactics, team selection and results can all influence how clubs perform and how the match odds develop throughout the season.
For those checking markets on leagues and fixtures, keeping track of managerial changes can therefore be another useful part of researching upcoming fixtures. LiveScore UK is among the bookmakers followed by football fans when comparing the markets available on Premier League matches.
Here are five managers with plenty to prove over the coming months.
1. Enzo Maresca – Manchester City
Taking over at Manchester City is never going to be a straightforward assignment, particularly when you are succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Maresca returned to Manchester after previously working within City’s coaching structure, but stepping into the senior role represents an entirely different challenge. Guardiola’s departure marks the end of an era, and Maresca now has to establish his own identity while maintaining the standards expected at the Etihad.
City have made a strong start, winning their opening five league matches, which provides an encouraging early indication. The bigger test will be whether Maresca can maintain that level across an entire season and compete for the major honours.
2. Andoni Iraola – Liverpool
Liverpool are another major club embarking on a new managerial era.
Andoni Iraola arrived at Anfield after an impressive spell at Bournemouth and has inherited a squad with expectations of challenging at the top of the Premier League.
His high-intensity approach has already attracted attention, with Liverpool’s players adapting to a different style of football.
The challenge for Iraola is turning that philosophy into consistent results. Liverpool have not enjoyed the perfect start of Arsenal or Manchester City, meaning the pressure to close the gap will increase if their inconsistent form continues.
3. Xabi Alonso – Chelsea
Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso in the summer, giving the former Bayer Leverkusen boss one of the most high-profile jobs in English football.
Expectations at Stamford Bridge remain considerable, particularly given the quality and depth of Chelsea’s squad.
The early results have been mixed, with Chelsea showing attacking promise but also experiencing defensive problems. The coming months will therefore be important as Alonso attempts to impose his ideas and turn Chelsea into a more consistent side.
4. Michael Carrick – Manchester United
Michael Carrick is now entering his first full season as Manchester United’s permanent head coach after taking charge in January 2026.
Carrick enjoyed a successful spell initially, helping United finish third last season before being handed the job permanently. The challenge now is building on that progress over a complete campaign.
United’s opening weeks have been less convincing, with just one league win from their first four matches. That means Carrick will be looking for an improvement as the season develops.
With expectations always enormous at Old Trafford, results will remain the ultimate measure of progress.
5. Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham
Tottenham’s appointment of Roberto De Zerbi represents another fascinating managerial story.
De Zerbi arrived after helping Spurs avoid relegation at the end of last season and now has the opportunity to reshape the team over a full campaign.
However, Tottenham’s difficult start means the Italian already faces a significant challenge. Spurs remain winless after their opening five league games and currently sit 20th before the international break.
The priority will therefore be turning their performances into points and moving away from the relegation battle.
A season full of pressure
The sheer number of managerial changes has made this an intriguing Premier League campaign. Several of the traditional Big Six clubs are effectively beginning new projects, creating an unusual level of uncertainty at both ends of the table.
For Maresca, Iraola, Alonso, Carrick and De Zerbi, the coming months will provide plenty of opportunities to demonstrate what their teams can achieve.
The question is not simply who can produce the best results, but which managers can successfully establish their ideas, handle pressure and build teams capable of competing consistently throughout a demanding Premier League season.
