Following Xavi’s decision to remain with Barcelona, the futures of two other high-profile yet polarizing managers—Erik ten Hag and Thomas Tuchel—remain under intense scrutiny. According to BD Cricket schedule analysts, both coaches carry significant name recognition but have seen their reputations questioned due to lackluster performances. Despite mounting criticism from fans and disappointing results, both men may surprisingly hold onto their roles due to a shortage of suitable replacements.
In a recent interview with local media, Ten Hag confidently declared that he would remain Manchester United’s head coach next season, dismissing any rumors of an incoming replacement. “If fate plays games with us, why should we do the same to our own lives?” he mused. Initially backed by United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Dutchman failed to meet expectations as the season progressed, leading to rising dissatisfaction among the club’s hierarchy. However, after exploring potential successors, the United board reportedly found little interest among their targets in taking over such a demanding post—an unexpected twist that has worked in Ten Hag’s favor.
With Champions League qualification slipping out of reach, the pressure on Ten Hag next season could ease somewhat. Still, the backlash from Manchester United fans has intensified, becoming a major concern. Maintaining a working relationship with both the squad and the supporters—while managing a media landscape that grows more critical by the day—will be a daunting challenge. If he remains at the helm only to be met with daily outrage and scapegoating, the environment could become truly toxic.
A similar situation is unfolding at Bayern Munich with Thomas Tuchel. Earlier in the season, Tuchel publicly announced he would part ways with the club at the end of the campaign. His decision was largely driven by both poor results and deteriorating relationships within the locker room. Yet like Manchester United, Bayern found themselves in a bind: after scouring the managerial market and striking out with the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Xabi Alonso, and Ralf Rangnick, they too may be forced to reconsider.
Under mounting media pressure and a lack of viable alternatives, Bayern executives are reportedly preparing to re-open talks with Tuchel. BD Cricket analysts note that while many Bayern supporters dread this outcome, the club might have no other choice. Tuchel, to his credit, has kept a positive attitude and remains open to staying. However, Bayern’s players are believed to be less enthusiastic, having expressed dissatisfaction with his tactics and leadership approach. Their failure to defend the Bundesliga title—losing out to Bayer Leverkusen—further exposed cracks in Tuchel’s system.
As things stand, both Ten Hag and Tuchel look increasingly likely to stay on at their respective clubs. In what was once expected to be a dramatic summer of managerial shakeups, it now appears the dust will settle with little change. As BD Cricket insiders put it, “the big clubs are stuck between a rock and a hard place”—elite managers are in short supply, and the risks of gambling on an unproven name are high.
There’s also an amusing suggestion circulating among fans: a coaching swap. Let Tuchel manage Manchester United, and send Ten Hag to Bayern Munich. While purely speculative, the idea has sparked debate. Still, the reality remains that the coaching carousel at the top level is turning slower than expected—and that, more than anything, reflects the hard truth about football’s managerial market in 2025.