Chelsea Shock Exit Sets the Tone for a New Year
The new year began with a surprise in the Premier League as Chelsea confirmed the dismissal of head coach Enzo Maresca, a decision that caught many observers off guard. In his first interview of the year, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher shared his views on managerial stability, title races, and major trophies across world football, offering a series of bold and intriguing predictions.
Reflecting on Maresca’s departure, Carragher admitted he did not see it coming. He went on to assess the job security of managers among the Premier League’s traditional “Big Six,” outlining which clubs are likely to stand firm—and which may face change.
Big Six Managers: Who Is Safe?
Carragher was clear that three managers are not under any immediate threat.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta is widely backed by the club hierarchy. Carragher believes Arsenal are genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season, and the club remains fully committed to Arteta as a long-term project.
At Liverpool, new head coach Arne Slot continues to enjoy strong support from the board. Even amid off-field distractions such as the Salah situation, Carragher sees no scenario in which Liverpool would consider a managerial change.
Manchester United are also expected to remain patient with Rúben Amorim. As long as the team shows visible progress, Carragher believes the Portuguese coach will retain his position.
Uncertainty at Spurs and Manchester City
The situation is less straightforward at Tottenham and Manchester City.
At Spurs, Thomas Frank is working to improve league positioning, but his tactical approach has yet to win universal approval. Results will be decisive in determining his future.
Manchester City present a more complex picture. While Pep Guardiola currently has the team sitting second in the league, Carragher revealed that Maresca had previously been in contact with City, hinting that Guardiola may already be considering the right moment to step aside. This sparked widespread debate, with Manchester United journalist Samuel Luckhurst suggesting the information may have originated from within United circles, leaving its credibility open to interpretation.
Premier League and Champions League Predictions
Carragher was confident when outlining his title predictions.
He believes Arsenal possess the strongest squad in the league, capable of ending their 20+ year Premier League title drought. With a solid spine built around the goalkeeper, defense, and Declan Rice, Arsenal are well positioned to go all the way—provided injuries are avoided.
For the UEFA Champions League, Carragher’s pick is Bayern Munich. Dominant in the Bundesliga and led by a prolific Harry Kane, Bayern are seen as the most balanced and reliable contender for European glory.
As for Manchester City, Carragher noted that the squad is not as dominant as in previous seasons. However, if Guardiola can keep City in the title race until March, it would still represent a respectable achievement.
International Focus: World Cup Outlook
Looking ahead to the upcoming summer World Cup, Carragher expressed strong confidence in France.
Under the experienced leadership of Didier Deschamps, France have reached a World Cup final in the last two tournaments, winning one and finishing runners-up in the other. Their pragmatic style, Carragher argues, is well suited to the hot conditions expected in the United States. If France can replicate the consistency shown by Paris Saint-Germain in European competition, their chances of lifting the trophy increase significantly.
England, by contrast, are viewed more conservatively. Reaching the quarter-finals would be considered a reasonable outcome, while a semi-final appearance under Thomas Tuchel would already exceed expectations. The midfield pairing of Rogers and Bellingham offers high potential, Phil Foden is regaining form, and Cole Palmer still needs time to return to full sharpness.
A Light-Hearted Ending—and Bold Claims
Carragher concluded with a personal message to his longtime rival Gary Neville, offering three New Year wishes: Wigan gaining promotion from League One to the Championship, Liverpool winning the Champions League, and Neville no longer predicting Manchester United to finish in the top four.
Carragher joked that at least two of those wishes will come true, leaving fans to debate which ones will materialize.
With predictions ranging from Guardiola’s possible departure, to France lifting the World Cup, Arsenal winning the Premier League, and Bayern conquering Europe, Carragher has set the tone for a season full of intrigue. Whether these forecasts come true remains to be seen—but the conversation has only just begun.
