Top 10 Football Managers Sacked in 2025

Top 10 Football Managers Sacked in 2025 reveals the most shocking, unexpected, and controversial dismissals from the world of football this year. From elite clubs making bold calls to struggling teams seeking quick fixes, 2025 has been ruthless to managers across Europe and beyond. This list dives deep into the stories behind the sackings—whether due to tactical failures, poor results, internal conflict, or fan pressure. Big names have fallen, and surprise decisions have shaken club hierarchies. Discover how even respected coaches couldn’t escape the axe in one of the most turbulent managerial years football has seen.

We take a closer look at what led to each sacking, how the footballing world reacted, and what came next for both the managers and their former clubs. Did the changes spark a revival, or did things go from bad to worse? These ten sackings not only changed the direction of their clubs but may have shifted the balance of the game itself. If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes chaos, dramatic exits, and rapid turnover in the modern game, this countdown offers all the drama you crave. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through football’s harshest reality—getting sacked.

10. Rúben Sellés – Hull City (Championship, England)

Rúben Sellés was sacked by Hull City in May 2025, despite the club narrowly avoiding relegation from the Championship. Throughout the season, Hull City’s performances were inconsistent and often underwhelming, which left the club’s hierarchy unsatisfied. Although survival was achieved, the board felt that the team lacked progress and ambition under Sellés’ leadership. The decision to part ways reflected a desire for a fresh approach aimed at building a more competitive squad capable of pushing higher up the table in future seasons.

Sellés struggled to impose a clear tactical identity on the team, and inconsistent results undermined his tenure. In a league as competitive as the Championship, mere survival is often not enough to secure a manager’s position, particularly when clubs have aspirations for promotion or solid mid-table stability. Hull City’s management decided that a change was necessary to bring new energy and direction to the club. Sellés’ departure highlights the harsh realities of football management, where managers must not only avoid failure but also demonstrate clear progress and ambition to maintain their roles.

9. Christophe Galtier – Nice (Ligue 1, France)

Christophe Galtier’s tenure at Nice came to an end in February 2025 after a disappointing run of form. Despite his previous successes in French football, Galtier was unable to consistently deliver positive results at Nice during the 2024–25 Ligue 1 campaign. The club hovered in the lower half of the table, struggling to meet the expectations of both fans and management.

The board’s decision to sack Galtier was driven by fears of further decline and the risk of slipping closer to relegation. Though he was credited with some bright moments and improvements in team structure, the overall results were insufficient. Nice sought a change in leadership to revive the team’s fortunes and avoid a season of struggle. Galtier’s dismissal underscores the demanding nature of Ligue 1, where clubs are quick to act when results falter and expectations are not met. His departure highlights the precarious position of managers, even those with strong reputations, when performance does not align with club ambitions.

8. Luciano Spalletti – Napoli (Serie A, Italy)

Luciano Spalletti was dismissed by Napoli in March 2025 following a surprising dip in form that threatened the club’s Champions League qualification hopes. Napoli, historically a top team in Serie A, encountered a season filled with inconsistency and missed opportunities under Spalletti’s guidance. Despite his experience and tactical acumen, the team struggled to maintain the high standards expected by fans and management.

The club’s leadership felt a mid-season change was necessary to halt the downward trend and reinvigorate the squad for the remainder of the campaign. Although Spalletti was respected by many supporters for his past achievements, the results this season did not justify continued trust. His dismissal was part of Napoli’s strategy to ensure a return to Europe’s premier club competition. Spalletti’s exit is a reminder of the pressure top-flight managers face to consistently deliver success, particularly in clubs with strong ambitions and passionate fanbases.

7. Marco Rose – Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga, Germany)

Marco Rose was relieved of his duties at Borussia Mönchengladbach in March 2025 after a poor run of results pushed the club dangerously close to the relegation zone. Rose, who had experienced success in previous Bundesliga roles, found it challenging to maintain consistency and cohesion within the squad during the 2024–25 season.

The team’s tactical struggles and lack of sharpness on the pitch resulted in a slide down the table, prompting the club’s management to act decisively. Borussia Mönchengladbach’s board sought to avoid the damaging consequences of a relegation fight, leading to Rose’s dismissal. Fans were divided, with some still believing in his abilities, but the urgency of the situation demanded a change. This decision highlights the brutal nature of football management in Germany, where even experienced coaches are quickly held accountable when results falter.

6. Domenico Tedesco – RB Leipzig (Bundesliga, Germany)

Domenico Tedesco was dismissed by RB Leipzig in April 2025 after a disappointing series of results left the club struggling to secure a top-four Bundesliga finish. Despite initial optimism when he took over, Tedesco’s tenure was marked by inconsistent performances and tactical challenges, especially in defensive organization.

Leipzig, aiming for Champions League qualification, found themselves slipping behind rivals as the season progressed, which alarmed the board and fans alike. The decision to sack Tedesco was driven by the urgent need to stabilize results and salvage the campaign. His departure underlined the high expectations at RB Leipzig, a club accustomed to competing at the very top of German football. The club appointed an interim manager to steady the ship with hopes of restoring form and confidence for the final stretch of the season.

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5. Johannes Hoff Thorup – Norwich City (Championship, England)

Johannes Hoff Thorup was sacked by Norwich City in April 2025 after a series of poor results effectively ended the club’s hopes of reaching the Championship playoffs. Thorup, who took charge midway through the previous season, initially brought optimism but was unable to sustain a strong promotion challenge.

A run of six defeats in eight games derailed the campaign, exposing tactical weaknesses and an injury-hit squad. The club’s board decided a change was necessary to inject fresh impetus into the side for the remaining matches. Thorup’s dismissal is indicative of the fierce competition in the Championship, where clubs aiming for promotion have little tolerance for extended dips in form. Norwich’s decision reflects their ambition to return to the Premier League and the ruthless nature of football management in England’s second tier.

4. Ivan Jurić – Southampton (Premier League, England)

Ivan Jurić’s short tenure at Southampton ended in April 2025 as the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed with seven games remaining. Jurić was appointed mid-season to save the club, but despite his tactical knowledge, he was unable to reverse a downward spiral.

Southampton struggled on both ends of the pitch, failing to find a reliable attacking threat or defensive solidity. The relegation marked a historic low point, and the club’s decision to sack Jurić reflected the harsh consequences of failing to maintain top-flight status. His departure raised questions about the club’s future direction and the difficult task of rebuilding in the Championship. Jurić’s exit serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Premier League, where survival is the absolute minimum expectation.

3. Sean Dyche – Everton (Premier League, England)

Sean Dyche was sacked by Everton in January 2025 as the club hovered perilously close to relegation. Known for his pragmatic and defensive style, Dyche was brought in to stabilize the struggling Toffees but was unable to significantly improve performances.

While Dyche managed to organize the defense to some degree, Everton’s attack remained ineffective, contributing to their poor results. His dismissal just before an important FA Cup match underscored the club’s urgency to change course quickly. Dyche’s exit highlighted the cutthroat nature of Premier League management, where even experienced managers face termination if results do not meet expectations. Everton’s decision reflects the high stakes involved in maintaining Premier League status.

2. Julen Lopetegui – West Ham United (Premier League, England)

Julen Lopetegui was sacked by West Ham United in January 2025 after a run of disappointing results left the club precariously positioned near the relegation zone. Despite his reputation as a tactically disciplined coach, Lopetegui struggled to get the best from his squad.

The board’s patience wore thin after a series of poor performances, prompting the club to seek a fresh direction to avoid a relegation battle. Lopetegui’s dismissal was a reminder of the ruthless environment of the Premier League, where results often dictate a manager’s fate regardless of their credentials. His exit reflected the high-pressure atmosphere at West Ham, where fans and owners demand immediate improvement.

1. Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League, England)

Ange Postecoglou’s sacking in June 2025 shocked football fans worldwide, as it came just 16 days after he led Tottenham Hotspur to their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the UEFA Europa League. Despite this historic achievement, Tottenham’s Premier League campaign was disastrous, finishing 17th—the club’s worst league finish ever—with 22 losses.

The board’s decision to dismiss Postecoglou reflected a prioritization of league performance and survival over European success. Although his high-pressing and attacking style was admired, Tottenham’s inconsistency in the league ultimately cost him his job. The sacking sent a strong message that domestic league results are paramount, even when cup glory is achieved. Postecoglou’s dismissal highlights the brutal realities of football management at the highest level, where success in one competition does not guarantee job security if league form suffers significantly.

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