Managerial job security in European leagues: The safest & most volatile destinations
| Updated: February 20, 2025Football is becoming a bigger business with each passing year. Like in any industry, results are what matter most. When expectations are not met, someone has to take responsibility. In football, more often than not, it is the manager or head coach who pays the price.
This week Sportingpedia conducted an investigation into managerial changes across Europe’s top 25 active leagues since the start of the 2024/25 season. (We say ‘active’ because some domestic championships, such as those in Sweden and Norway, will soon begin a completely new season). The research focused on the number of head coaches who have either been dismissed or left their positions voluntarily, whether due to pressure, disagreements, or the opportunity to take on a bigger project elsewhere.
A total of 185 managerial changes have taken place so far. Two Balkan leagues — Turkiey’s Süper Lig and Greece’s Super League 1 — lead the list, with 16 coaching changes each. The Balkan region stands out as the most volatile environment for managers, as leagues from this area occupy six of the top seven spots, with only Portugal’s Liga Portugal (15 changes) breaking their dominance.
Scotland’s Premiership, the Dutch Eredivisie, Denmark’s Superliga, and Ukraine’s Premier League have each seen just three coaching departures, making them the safest environments for managers in European football this season.
Methodology: We analysed managerial changes across Europe’s top 25 active leagues (excluding Sweden and Norway, as their new seasons have yet to begin) to determine the most volatile and stable environments for head coaches. The data, accurate as of 18th February, includes all instances where a manager was replaced, whether due to dismissal, resignation, or moving to another club.
Key Takeaways:
- Turkiey’s Super Lig and Greece’s Super League 1 are the most volatile leagues for managers, with 16 coaching changes each, followed closely by Portugal (15), Bulgaria (12), and Romania (10)
- The Balkan region dominates the rankings for managerial instability, with six of the top seven leagues showing the highest turnover rates
- Among Europe’s traditional top five leagues, Serie A (8) has seen the most changes, followed by Ligue 1 and the Premier League (6 each), La Liga (5), and the Bundesliga (4)
- The Scottish Premiership, Eredivisie, Danish Superliga, and Ukrainian Premier League are the safest destinations for managers, recording just three changes each
Balkans: Turkiey and Greece Lead the Way
The Balkans have proven to be the most unstable environment for managers, with Turkiey and Greece recording the highest turnover, closely followed by Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia. Turkiey’s Süper Lig and Greece’s Super League 1 lead the way with 16 managerial changes each, highlighting the short-term approach clubs in these nations often take. However, these departures are not always forced by club executives—managers sometimes opt to leave due to the intense pressure from fans and club environments.
Both leagues are notorious for their passionate supporters, with stadiums regularly creating a hostile atmosphere. Altercations between fans, players, and even coaches have been a frequent occurrence, adding another layer of instability. Managers often find themselves at the center of intense criticism, and in some cases, they decide to walk away rather than wait to be dismissed.
Bulgaria’s top division follows closely with 12 changes, while Romania and Croatia have recorded 10 and 9, respectively. The trend suggests that club owners and executives in these countries have little patience, frequently opting for immediate fixes rather than long-term projects.
Portugal Disrupts Balkan Dominance
Portugal’s Liga Portugal is the only non-Balkan league in the top seven, having witnessed 15 managerial changes. The most turbulent clubs include Vitória Guimarães, Sporting Lisbon, and Avs Futebol. Sporting Lisbon saw Ruben Amorim depart for Manchester United before Joao Pereira took over — only for Pereira to be dismissed as well. Avs Futebol and Vitória Guimaraes have followed a similar pattern, overseeing multiple head coach changes this season.
Top 5 Leagues
Among Europe’s traditional football powerhouses, managerial turnover has been more controlled. Italy’s Serie A has seen eight dismissals this season, with Roma and Monza being the most unstable, both undergoing two coaching changes. Ivan Juric took over from Daniele De Rossi at Roma but was soon replaced by Claudio Ranieri. At Monza, Alessandro Nesta was succeeded by Salvatore Bocchetti, who had a brief tenure before Nesta returned to the role.
France’s Ligue 1 and England’s Premier League have each recorded six managerial departures, with Rennes and Montpellier already on their third coach this season. Spain’s La Liga follows with five dismissals, while Germany’s Bundesliga has seen just four.
The Most Stable Leagues
The Scottish Premiership, Dutch Eredivisie, Danish Superliga, and Ukrainian Premier League have each recorded only three managerial changes, reflecting a significantly higher level of patience from club owners and executives. Russia’s Premier League has also maintained relative stability, with just four dismissals this season. These leagues, generally more conservative in their managerial approach, tend to trust coaches for longer periods, allowing teams to develop structured long-term strategies.