20 Worst Premier League Managers (2010–2025)
From tactical flops to disastrous short-term stints, the Premier League has seen its fair share of managerial failures. Between 2010 and 2025, these 20 managers are remembered more for disappointment than success, whether due to poor results, questionable tactics, or sheer misfortune.
Frank de Boer (Crystal Palace, 2017) – Four league games, no goals, no wins. One of the shortest and most ineffective reigns in Premier League history.
Bob Bradley (Swansea City, 2016) – The first American manager in the Premier League, Bradley looked out of his depth and was sacked after just 85 days.
Remi Garde (Aston Villa, 2015–16) – A disastrous appointment during a relegation season, with just 2 wins in 20 games.
Steve McClaren (Newcastle United, 2015–16) – His second spell in English football ended in relegation, as Newcastle never found consistency.
Paul Heckingbottom (Sheffield United, 2023) – Oversaw one of the worst Premier League starts in history before being sacked mid-season.
Nathan Jones (Southampton, 2022–23) – A short, chaotic spell where the team lost 7 of 8 league matches under his leadership.
Paolo Di Canio (Sunderland, 2013) – His passion couldn’t make up for erratic behavior and a toxic dressing room atmosphere.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær (Manchester United, 2018–2021) – Despite some good moments, his lack of tactical identity led to a collapse in form.
Rafa Benítez (Everton, 2021–22) – An unpopular hire from the start, and results only worsened fan sentiment.
Quique Sánchez Flores (Watford, 2019) – A baffling second stint that lasted just 85 days.
Terry Connor (Wolves, 2012) – Took over midseason and failed to win a single game.
Chris Hutchings (Bradford City, briefly in 2000) – Although pre-2010, often lumped into lists for context—modern examples continue his legacy.
Slaviša Jokanović (Fulham, 2018) – Spent big but couldn’t organize a defense, leading to early dismissal.
Jan Siewert (Huddersfield Town, 2019) – Took over a sinking ship but did little to inspire hope.
Jean Tigana (Fulham) – A pre-2010 manager often confused with recent eras for his poor late spell.
Javi Gracia (Leeds United, 2023) – Came in to save the club but lost key matches and was quickly replaced.
Roy Hodgson (Watford, 2022) – Came out of retirement but couldn’t revive a side doomed to relegation.
Alan Pardew (West Brom, 2017–18) – Just one win in 18 games; his stint ended in relegation and controversy.
John Carver (Newcastle, 2015) – Claimed he was the “best coach in the league” during a run of 8 straight losses.
Avram Grant (West Ham, 2010–11) – Managed just 7 wins in 38 games, ending with relegation.
While not all were hopeless managers elsewhere, their Premier League tenures serve as cautionary tales in football’s most competitive league.
