Gareth Southgate has broken his silence on the recent managerial chaos at some of Europe's biggest clubs. The former England boss took to LinkedIn to share his thoughts on why Ruben Amorim, Enzo Maresca and Xabi Alonso all left their jobs so quickly.
According to Southgate, power struggles were at the heart of all three departures. He's not pointing fingers at anyone specific - but he's clearly seen enough to know that being a top-level manager today is tougher than most fans realise.
In his lengthy post, Southgate noted that Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea all parted ways with their managers within a fortnight. Maresca lasted the longest at just 18 months. That's a worrying sign for anyone backing these clubs long-term, as constant managerial changes rarely lead to stability or success.
Southgate identified different issues at each club. Amorim clashed with executives at United. Maresca had problems with other club employees at Chelsea. And Alonso's issues at Real Madrid came from player management. But the common thread? A lack of clear authority.
The Manager's Authority Has Been Stripped Away
Southgate explained that managers today have far less power than they used to. The rise of sporting directors and technical directors has changed everything. These executives now sit above the head coach and make long-term decisions about player recruitment, contracts and club strategy.
But here's the thing - Southgate actually doesn't have a problem with this setup. He believes clubs need long-term planning that goes beyond whoever's in the dugout. It makes sense not to tear down your entire medical or scouting department every time you sack a manager.
The issue is that while managers have lost authority, they've gained a ton of extra responsibilities. They're managing bigger squads, dealing with players who are global brands themselves, and facing constant scrutiny on social media. For bettors, this instability means backing managers in their first season is increasingly risky.
Why The Job Keeps Getting Harder
Southgate pushed back against the idea that modern managers have it easy because they "just coach." The reality is completely different. Today's head coaches juggle analytical demands, media obligations, commercial commitments and managing egos in squads worth hundreds of millions.
He pointed out something crucial: players aren't just pieces on a tactics board. They're human beings with their own pressures and brand considerations. Managing that human element is what separates good managers from great ones.
Southgate also highlighted the importance of job titles. The shift from "manager" to "head coach" might seem small, but it signals a fundamental change in power dynamics. It's a subtle reminder that the person on the touchline isn't really in charge anymore.
For clubs like United and Chelsea, this revolving door of managers creates uncertainty. And uncertainty is something punters should always factor in when placing their bets. Managerial stability matters - and right now, the biggest clubs in Europe don't have it.
