One major reason managers lose their jobs is an inability to win trophies consistently. Pep Guardiola has avoided that fate largely due to sustained success, winning 19 trophies with Manchester City over a 10-year period.
Softfootball believes equates to an average of at least one trophy per season, with the potential to reach 20 trophies in the same timeframe, effectively two per year at one club. Maintaining such consistency over a decade is particularly challenging, as squads typically undergo multiple transitions, with older players replaced and new signings adapting to established systems.
In the modern era, this challenge is intensified by increased competition. Unlike during the time of Sir Alex Ferguson, when a smaller group of elite clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United dominated recruitment but today, more clubs have significant financial power.
Teams like Aston Villa and Newcastle United are now capable of spending heavily, increasing the overall competitiveness of the Premier League.
Despite this, Guardiola has continued to demonstrate his quality as a top manager in a highly competitive environment. However, when results decline, his past achievements are often overlooked, with criticism from fans leading to calls for his dismissal and claims that his success depends solely on having top players.
This contrast highlights the pressures of modern football, where even sustained excellence does not shield managers from scrutiny during difficult periods.
