The clubs can make changes now that there are about three weeks without national competitions
Coaches Manolo González, Martín Demichelis, Roberto De Zerbi, Álvaro Arbeloa and Michael Carrick go into the international break in different circumstances, but with their projects under the microscope. Amid the transfer market of Espanyol, RB Leipzig, Tottenham, Fulham and Manchester United, the September results have sparked debates about their futures on the sidelines.
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Manolo González and Demichelis face different scenarios
Manolo González continues for the time being at the helm of Espanyol, despite the recent stumble against Elche and a poor 7 points in 7 rounds. Sporting director Monchi supports the coach and the upcoming match against Málaga on October 9 will be an important reference point to assess the team’s development.
González recently reached 100 games as Espanyol coach after taking over in March 2023. The club will use the break to refine the squad before the competition resumes.
Martín Demichelis’ situation at RB Leipzig is more uncertain. The Argentine has 2 wins and 2 losses in the first four rounds of the Bundesliga, and the team is in 9th place after a 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
The pressure had already increased after the defeats to Werder Bremen (3-1) and Como (4-1). The win against Hamburg bought Demichelis some time, but the Leverkusen result once again puts his future under the microscope at half-time.
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De Zerbi, Arbeloa and Carrick are struggling with results
Roberto De Zerbi faces a tougher situation at Tottenham. Spurs have picked up just 2 points out of a possible 15, have yet to win a game, and are currently in 18th place in the Premier League after a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
Tottenham have scored just 1 goal in their first five rounds and conceded 11 – illustrating the pressure on De Zerbi. The break gives time to decide whether the Italian stays, or if the club is considering an alternative.
Álvaro Arbeloa also faces uncertainty at Fulham, still without a win in the Premier League. The 1-1 draw against Manchester United leaves the London club with 2 points from five rounds, in 19th place.
Arbeloa joined Fulham on 7 July 2026, with a contract that runs until June 2029 – which requires a decision on a continued long commitment in the event of any changes. However, the team reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup after beating West Ham 3–2.
At Manchester United, Michael Carrick finished the fifth round with 5 points after a 1-1 draw with Fulham. The manager has only secured one league win, and his team was also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton – reinforcing the doubts at half-time.
The coming period will be crucial for these coaches. The October schedule and the decisions made by Espanyol, Leipzig, Tottenham, Fulham and Manchester United at half-time will determine which projects continue unchanged – and which ones can get a new manager.
