As the European football (soccer) season hits its stride, numerous top clubs are underperforming. Liverpool, defending their title in the English Premier League, have gone on a devastating run, winning just two of their last eleven games. Similarly, the world-renowned kings of European football, Real Madrid, are having underwhelming results, recently losing 2-1 in the Champions League during a disappointing game against Manchester City. Though disappointing results are a common occurrence amongst top teams, especially after traumatic events such as the passing of Liverpool’s Diogo Jota in a car crash during the summer, the willingness for clubs and fans to consider scapegoating the manager seems at an all time high.

Though players are the quickest to receive blame for poor performances, strings of disappointing results can lead to fans questioning the competence of the club’s manager. Managers, who serve as head coach, provide a direct link between fans, the club, and the team as a whole, setting tactics, disputes, and strategizing signings. But while there has always been an expectation that top clubs will remove and replace underperforming managers, the reactionary pressure to change seems to have been increasing. According to the Independent, the average tenure of a Premier League — the top English soccer league — manager has significantly decreased over the past twenty years, shifting from an average of 2-2.5 years during the early 2000’s to now dropping under a year and a half. Whether caused by the rise of social media giving a voice to fans demanding results or a decrease in availability of high quality managers, the managerial merry-go-round is spinning at an all time high. 

Right now, many top clubs are considering a change in the dressing room to address their on-field difficulties. Whether justified or not, here are the top three managers currently under pressure. 

1. Arne Slot — Liverpool

Arne Slot seemed an excellent choice for Liverpool. He was hand-picked by the Red’s previous manager Jurgen Klopp, a legendary German who led introductory chants for Slot during his farewell address. Even better, Slot’s tactics seemed a logical addition to Klopp’s, connecting the aggressive, pressing formations together. Under Slot’s guidance, Liverpool won the league during their first season with him at the helm, showcasing what seemed to be the beginnings of an incredible relationship. After a summer where Liverpool splashed big, spending upwards of $300 million to bring in the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitite, Alexander Isak, Jeremy Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, it seemed that Liverpool would soon dominate. But near the halfway point in the season, the Reds are struggling, sitting at 8th in the premier league table and losing match after match. Though many experts can suggest that the underperformance was caused in part by the death of star player Diogo Jota over the summer, the results have caused pressure to mount on Slot. Though Liverpool have recently had a stronger run of form, Slot still finds himself under heavy scrutiny.

2. Xabi Alonso — Real Madrid

After an unsuccessful previous season in which they lost four times to Barcelona domestically and were routed by Arsenal in the Champions League, Real Madrid bade farewell to manager Carlo Ancelotti and hired Xabi Alonso, a former blanco star who had delivered a thrilling undefeated season at Bayer Leverkusen previously. But his first season at Real Madrid has been less than thrilling, as Madrid currently sit 7 points below rivals Barcelona in La Liga and 7th place in the Champions League standings. Unsurprisingly, Xabi Alonso’s difficulty galvanizing the Real Madrid dressing room has come under fire, with many beginning to call for his dismissal. For now, Alonso continues to enjoy the support of the board, but his future amongst Los Blancos remains uncertain.

3. Mikel Arteta — Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has been under pressure at Arsenal for years, but has so far managed to cling to his job. Despite winning just one FA Cup during his first season in charge, Arteta has kept his place at the head of the Gunners for years, where he has placed 2nd in the Premier League three times running. Worse, it seems increasingly likely that though this Arsenal team is the strongest in years, their inability to hold onto a slim lead in the table may cause their downfall once again. Arteta has generally been able to keep a positive relationship with the Arsenal board, but fans have often felt frustration with the repeated trophyless seasons and boring, defensive style of play. This season, Arsenal seem poised to win either the Champions League or the Premier League. However, injuries are plaguing the team, and threats have already been aired that if Arsenal endure another trophyless season, Arteta will find himself out of work.