EPL sets record with nine new managers for opening weekend
August 6, 2026 9:50 am
The Premier League will begin the 2026/27 season with a record nine clubs under new management, marking the highest number of managerial changes before an opening weekend in the competition’s history.
The record was confirmed after Newcastle United appointed Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach following the departure of Eddie Howe. The German manager’s arrival means nine teams will start the campaign with different managers from those who began the previous season.
Jaissle joins Newcastle after a successful spell at Al Ahli, where he guided the Saudi Arabian club to major honours. The 38-year-old coach now faces the challenge of building on Newcastle’s progress and leading the club into a new era.
The managerial turnover highlights a summer of significant change across England’s top flight, with several clubs opting for fresh leadership ahead of the new campaign.
Newcastle’s decision to bring in Jaissle adds to a historic level of movement on Premier League benches, as clubs prepare for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent years.
With nine new managers taking charge on the opening weekend, the 2026/27 season will set a new Premier League record for managerial changes before a ball is kicked.
PUNCH Online takes a look at the 20 managers as the 2026/27 season begins on Friday, August 21, 2026. The opening match will see Arsenal host newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
Meet the 20 EPL managers as posted on the Premier League X handle on Thursday:
1. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
2. Unai Emery – Aston Villa
3. Marco Rose – Bournemouth
4. Keith Andrews – Brentford
Brighton & Hove Albion — Fabian Hürzeler
Chelsea — Xabi Alonso
Coventry City — Frank Lampard
Crystal Palace — Pierre Sage
Everton — David Moyes
Fulham — Álvaro Arbeloa
Hull City — Sergej Jakirović
Ipswich Town — Gary O’Neil
Leeds United — Daniel Farke
Liverpool — Andoni Iraola
Manchester City — Enzo Maresca
Manchester United — Michael Carrick
Newcastle United — Matthias Jaissle
Nottingham Forest — Oliver Glasner
Sunderland — Régis Le Bris
Tottenham Hotspur — Roberto De Zerbi
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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