Four EFL Championship Managers Under Mounting Pressure as the Sacking Season Begins
The managerial merry-go-round in the Championship has started to spin again, with two managers already dismissed this season. Summer appointments Ruben Selles and Paulo Pezzolano have both been shown the door at Sheffield Unitedand Watford, respectively — with both clubs turning back to familiar faces to steady the ship.
This is becoming a familiar pattern in England’s second tier. Between this time last year and January 1, seven managerslost their jobs — including Mark Robins, who was dismissed by Coventry City almost exactly a year ago. A similar number were sacked during the same period the season before, as the mid-campaign nerves began to bite for club boards and supporters alike.
As the autumn chill sets in and the league table starts to take shape, pressure is again mounting on several managers, particularly at Norwich City and Birmingham City, ahead of the next international break.
Liam Manning – Norwich City
Things have gone from bad to worse for Liam Manning. Norwich sit 23rd after losing five straight matches, and the pressure is intensifying. Manning has been unable to claim a single home win in six attempts since taking charge.
With fixtures against Hull City and Leicester City on the horizon, either side of a trip to Sheffield Wednesday, results must turn quickly if he’s to survive until Christmas. Norwich’s squad lacks depth, and with the transfer window still months away, there’s little chance to make meaningful changes before January.
Will Still – Southampton
Following their Premier League relegation, Southampton were tipped as one of the favourites for promotion — but they currently sit 20th, far off the pace. Fans have grown frustrated with poor performances, and Still’s decisions, such as defensive substitutions when leading, have sparked chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing”.
With just four wins in their last 50 league games, patience is wearing thin at St Mary’s, and the board could be forced to act if results don’t improve soon.
Chris Davies – Birmingham City
Despite sitting 15th, Birmingham City’s ambitious owners expected far more after promotion from League One. Davies’ side has managed only two wins from 12 games, including back-to-back defeats to Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers.
Upcoming fixtures against Preston and Sheffield Wednesday — with a tricky away trip to QPR in between — could prove decisive for the manager’s future.
Marti Cifuentes – Leicester City
After a bright start, Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes has come under fire following defeats to Hull City and Millwall. Discontent among fans was evident at full-time last weekend, with boos echoing from the away end.
Cifuentes acknowledged supporters’ frustration, admitting he’s “angry with the performance” and understands expectations are high as the club continues its rebuild.
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