Iraola, Alonso, Jaissle: the Premier League’s summer of new managers
SportPulses Desk··6 min
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle all changed head coach over the summer. A guide to who moved where — and the early signs.
Few Premier League summers have seen as much change in the dugout. Nine clubs started 2026–27 with a different manager from the one who began the previous campaign, including four of the league’s biggest names.
Liverpool sacked Arne Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of his contract; Bournemouth replaced him with Marco Rose. Chelsea turned to Xabi Alonso after an interim spell under Calum McFarlane, and Manchester City promoted former assistant Enzo Maresca after Pep Guardiola stepped down.
Newcastle also have a new direction after Eddie Howe resigned: Matthias Jaissle takes over. Elsewhere, Oliver Glasner left Crystal Palace and resurfaced at Nottingham Forest, with Pierre Sage arriving at Selhurst Park from Lens; Álvaro Arbeloa replaced Marco Silva at Fulham, and Gary O’Neil took charge of Ipswich Town.
Five rounds in, Iraola’s Liverpool had nine points, with Alexander Isak on four goals, while Alonso’s Chelsea had seven. Early tables rarely settle anything — but they do show which new ideas are landing fastest.