You're Fired! Why Are Managers Sacked So Fast?

Following the dismissal of Frank Lampard by Chelsea, the question on the minds of many is what leads to managers being given the Alan Sugar treatment, so swiftly and so often? Here’s the answer…

Image: APF

Many factors feed into why Managers are given the sack. Often the disintegration of relationships between the manager and players, fans, staff and most importantly the bosses contribute to dismissal. The growing number of roles and individuals at Football clubs means aims, objectives and desires can all misalign, ultimately resulting in fallouts, discontent and a box with all your things left at the front door.

Team performance is another main cause in Manager sacking. Club owners often fear the worst when their team experiences a poor run of form. Players are often bypassed in terms of blame and all fingers are sadly pointed at the manager and his staff.

Transfers and Spending do cause tension. Splashing the cash and not getting results can get you the boot or alternatively a lack of backing and personnel means managers resign to prevent damage on their career and reputation.

However, sacking managers is often costly. Clubs terminate the original contract with the manager, in return for the remainder of the contract being paid out to them. Jose Mourinho’s sacking by Manchester United in 2018 cost the club £19.6 million. He is the special one after all.

So, with all this cost at the elite level, why are managers sacked so quickly? Ultimately the importance of the club’s overall progress and position outweighs the financial implications in sacking the manager. Change is viewed as refreshing and positive when it comes to football clubs, despite it often being disruptive and the progress gradual. By the time the team has adapted and success is on the horizon, it isn’t deemed enough and leads to yes you guessed it. Sacking. Therefore, the vicious cycle experienced by football managers continues…