Beginning from this weekend, five new tacticians will be testing their might for the first time in the Premier League – with little or no previous knowledge about the English game.
A record 11 managers were axed before the end of the 2015/16 season which included the likes of Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal.
However, it’s a fresh start and new challenge for five newcomers who are out to make a name in English top flight.
- Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is probably the biggest manager to join the Premier League this summer. The 45-year-old Spaniard opted to move to Manchester City rather than neighbours, Manchester United and Chelsea. He comes into England with an unequal wealth of experience and trophy-laden coaching career. There’s also the prospect of the enticing rivalry with United boss, Mourinho, his bitter foe during their time in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
“Guardiola will do very well for City in the Premier League, there’s no doubt about that,” said former City coach, Sven-Goran Eriksson.
His first game is against Sunderland at home on Saturday.
- Antonio Conte
The world witnessed one of the worst title defence in history when Chelsea slipped from champions to an abysmal 10th last season. Mourinho, the man who orchestrated both feats, has since been fired and replaced by Italian gaffer, Antonio Conte. While Conte may not have won the Champions League, his primary task is to return the Blues back to the competition they won in 2012.
“Antonio Conte is a great manager and wants to change the way they approach the game and the principles. I rate him very highly,” said Slaven Bilic, whose West Ham side visit Chelsea on Monday.
- Claude Puel
With Ronald Koeman’s departure to Everton, Southampton were in the hunt for a manager who could continue or even surpass the successes of the Dutchman. Enter Claude Puel, a 54-year-old French manager who has spent all his coaching and playing career in his home country. Prior to joining the Saints, Puel led modest side, Nice, to fourth place finish in the Ligue 1 with outstanding spells also at Monaco, Lille and Lyon.
“There is one word to describe him: builder,” French journalist Maxime Dupuis said. “This guy is perfect to build something with young players. For the academy of Southampton, it’s good news.”
- Aitor Karanka
Aitor Karanka finally got it right at the third time of asking – gaining promotion for Middlesbrough back with the elites. The 42-year-old is fondly remembered during his time at Spanish giants, Real Madrid where he served as assistant to Mourinho between 2010 and 2013. He will however fancy going head-to-head against his former boss now in charge of United.
“With Mourinho I learned the value of honesty; the need to explain what was best for the team. With him I learned to say what you thought for the good of the team.”
But before he comes up against his mentor, Mourinho, he will be welcomed to the top flight by visiting Stoke City.
- Walter Mazzarri
Walter Mazzarri of Watford is the second new Italian tactician in the Premier League after Conte and third in total with Claudio Ranieri. His last role was with Inter Milan which came after his successful stints at Napoli and Sampdoria.
The 54-year-old comes in for Quique Sanchez Flores who moved back to Spain with Espanyol from Vicarage Road. Just like other Italians, Mazarri is tactically adept and prefers to play with three at the back. He visits St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday to face Puel’s Southampton.
