Premier League managers 2026/27: Every new and returning boss this season

The 2026/27 Premier League season is almost here, and it promises to usher in a new era on the touchline.

A remarkable wave of managerial changes has swept across England’s top flight, with eight clubs appointing new head coaches ahead of the new campaign. When the three promoted teams are included, half of the division will begin the season under managers taking charge of their current clubs in the Premier League for the first time.

While several of those coaches already have experience in English football, others are preparing for their first taste of life in the world’s most-watched domestic league.

Here’s a closer look at every new and returning face in the Premier League dugouts ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Xabi Alonso (Chelsea)

After enjoying tremendous success as a player with Liverpool, Xabi Alonso is finally set for his first experience of Premier League management after taking charge of Chelsea.

The Spaniard began his coaching career with Real Sociedad B before making his breakthrough at Bayer Leverkusen, where he famously guided the German club to their first-ever Bundesliga title without losing a single league match.

A subsequent spell at Real Madrid proved far less successful, with Alonso stepping down after just eight months following a disappointing run of results.

Chelsea have now handed the 44-year-old the opportunity to rebuild the Blues, and early signs suggest he will implement the back-three system that brought him so much success in Germany.

The club’s ambitious recruitment reflects that vision. Record signing Morgan Rogers, alongside reported moves for Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson, Maxence Lacroix, and wing-back Marco Palestra, all point towards a squad being built specifically around Alonso’s preferred tactical approach.

Marco Rose (Bournemouth)

Replacing Andoni Iraola was never going to be easy, but Bournemouth have turned to one of Germany’s most respected coaches in Marco Rose.

The former Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig manager built his reputation in the Bundesliga, while his coaching philosophy was heavily influenced during his playing days under Jürgen Klopp at Mainz.

Rose is renowned for high-intensity pressing, quick transitions and aggressive attacking football — a style perfectly suited to the demands of the Premier League.

His arrival could also increase Bournemouth’s chances of finally ending their wait for major silverware, having previously lifted the DFB-Pokal with Leipzig.

Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace have entrusted Pierre Sage with the difficult task of succeeding Oliver Glasner following one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

Unlike many modern managers, Sage never played professionally. Instead, he climbed through the coaching ranks in France before earning opportunities with Lyon and later Lens, where he enjoyed remarkable success.

His impressive work earned him the Ligue 1 Coach of the Year award after guiding Lens into the UEFA Champions League, before adding the Coupe de France to the club’s honours list.

A disciple of Pep Guardiola’s positional football, Sage favours possession-based football, intelligent pressing and defensive organisation — qualities Palace supporters will hope can build on Glasner’s foundations.

Álvaro Arbeloa (Fulham

Former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa begins his first full senior managerial role with Fulham after progressing through Madrid’s academy coaching system.

Although his first-team experience remains limited, Arbeloa’s philosophy is already well established.

He prefers a 4-3-3 formation built around aggressive pressing, technical midfielders and attacking full-backs.

Speaking to his players during pre-season, Arbeloa outlined exactly what he expects.

“We want brave players. We want players with personality.

“I’ll give you the confidence to show your talent. But talent without effort means nothing.

“We are going to be a team that presses high. We are going to be a team that plays hard.”

His approach should suit creative players such as Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe and Oscar Bobb.

Enzo Maresca (Manchester City)

Following the departure of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City have turned to familiar face Enzo Maresca to begin the next chapter in the club’s history.

Having previously worked within City’s coaching structure before successful spells with Leicester City and Chelsea, the Italian already understands the philosophy that has defined the club over the past decade.

His possession-heavy style mirrors Guardiola’s principles, making him a logical successor.

However, Maresca inherits a squad undergoing significant change following the departures of John Stones, Nathan Aké and Bernardo Silva, while continued speculation surrounding Rodri presents another potential challenge.

Despite the upheaval, the foundations remain in place for City to remain title contenders.

Andoni Iraola (Liverpool)

After transforming Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola now takes charge of Liverpool following the Cherries’ historic qualification for Europe.

The Spaniard has built a reputation for energetic pressing, relentless intensity and rapid counter-attacks — traits that will feel familiar to Liverpool supporters after the Jürgen Klopp era.

Although club icons Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have departed, Iraola has already shown he can rebuild successfully.

His work at Bournemouth, where he transformed an almost entirely rebuilt defence into one of the league’s most effective units, suggests Liverpool are in capable hands.

Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest)

Fresh from delivering Crystal Palace their first major trophies, Oliver Glasner has taken on arguably one of the Premier League’s biggest challenges at Nottingham Forest.

The Austrian’s preferred 3-4-3 system proved hugely successful at Selhurst Park and Forest appear determined to provide him with the personnel needed to replicate that success.

Signings such as Xaver Schlager, alongside reported interest in Ousmane Diomandé, suggest the club are fully committed to Glasner’s tactical vision.

Sergej Jakirović (Hull City)

One of the Premier League’s least familiar faces is Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović.

The Bosnian performed one of last season’s most impressive managerial feats by guiding Hull to promotion despite operating under a transfer embargo and widespread relegation predictions.

Now backed in the transfer market, with arrivals including Jack Butland, Matt Targett, Hidemasa Morita and Oscar Zambrano, Jakirović finally has the resources to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.

Frank Lampard (Coventry City)

Many questioned Coventry City’s decision to appoint Frank Lampard, but the former Chelsea midfielder answered his critics by guiding the Sky Blues to the Championship title.

Lampard has restored confidence throughout the squad while helping players such as Jack Rudoni develop into genuine Premier League-quality performers.

His biggest challenge now is proving that his attacking philosophy can succeed at the highest level.

Gary O’Neil (Ipswich Town)

Following the surprise departure of Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town turned to experienced Premier League coach Gary O’Neil.

While his appointment lacked the excitement some supporters hoped for, O’Neil has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to keep clubs in the division, having achieved survival with both Bournemouth and Wolves.

New signings including Emersonn, Abdul Fatawu, Kjell Scherpen and Issa Diop should strengthen the squad, although supporters will have to wait until pre-season to see exactly how O’Neil intends to set his side up.

A Season of Fresh Ideas

With half of the league beginning a new chapter under different leadership, the 2026/27 Premier League campaign promises to be one of the most fascinating in recent memory.

From proven winners like Xabi Alonso and Oliver Glasner to ambitious newcomers such as Álvaro Arbeloa and Pierre Sage, every club will be hoping a fresh voice in the dugout can deliver success over the coming months.