CORNERFLICK
The Premier League is about to start with its lowest-ever average managerial experience, as 11 of the 20 clubs begin the campaign with head coaches appointed less than a year ago.
A new low for experience
The league’s average head coach age stands at 46.9, the lowest for 20 years, while only three English coaches are in place: Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard and Gary O’Neil. Mikel Arteta is the only manager in the division with a Premier League title to his name.
Spanish influence at the top
Four Spanish coaches from the Basque region — Arteta, Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery — are in charge of four of the Premier League’s six biggest clubs, underlining the growing dominance of overseas appointments.
Why clubs are changing the model
One reason for the shift is the rise of sporting directors and the move away from the old-school manager role. Fourteen clubs now use the title of head coach, with only six still describing their lead man as manager.
That change narrows the traditional remit. Under the modern model, head coaches focus on training and tactics, while sporting directors hold the final say on transfers and contracts.