Crystal Palace’s search for a new manager ahead of the 2017/18 campaign is sure to be well underway.
It was confirmed this week that Sam Allardyce would be stepping down with immediate effect from his position as the manager of Crystal Palace, much to the surprise of the footballing world.
The one-time England manager revealed that he harbours no intention to return to another job in football as a head coach, and has subsequently left Palace with the dilemma of replacing him shortly after he kept them afloat in the Premier League.
However, there is no time for the Eagles to dwell and they must now look towards the future, which is no-doubt bright given the talent at their disposal.
Several managers will be lined up by the club, but some are clearly better suited to the task than others.
So, here are five managers that I feel would be good appointments for Palace this summer!
Slavisa Jokanovic
Jokanovic has been quite superb at Fulham, turning them from a somewhat mediocre outfit into a highly promising one.
He plays expansive, attacking football and is a believer in pressing high up the pitch. He’s a good man-manager and has shown his willingness to award the younger players with an opportunity.
He’s ready for the step up to the Premier League and Palace should seriously consider moving in for him.
Mauricio Pellegrino
Pellegrino is to depart Alaves this summer and will leave having done a stellar job at the La Liga side.
He’s turned them from relegation candidates to a steady mid-table side, along with helping them to an elusive Copa Del Rey final against Barcelona, which was lost recently.
Pellegrino’s sides are highly organised and are always well drilled. He specialises in developing young players and would provide the discipline needed at Palace.
Roger Schmidt
Schmidt is currently unattached having departed Bayer Lerverkusen earlier on in the 16/17 campaign.
Although it ended sourly at the Bundesliga side, his influence cannot be underestimated. His unique methods of training and desire to implement intense, attacking football helped Leverkusen to be a force at the top of the league in the season prior and he’s shown his managerial quality.
He’d be the “cheap” option, but would almost certainly be effective.
David Wagner
Wagner has shown his quality at Huddersfield this season and has helped a considerably average group of players become promotion candidates.
He leads the Terriers into the play-off final at Wembley tomorrow in the hope of sealing Premier League football for his men next season but if he doesn’t, Palace should be pursuing the German.
His style of play involves a high-pressing, attacking mentality and his proactive nature is something to be admired. Perhaps he’s ready for the challenge.
Roberto Mancini
Should the Eagles fans dare to dream?
Mancini is currently available and although it’d be a highly ambitious move to bring him to Selhurst Park this summer, it’d be one to propel the club to the next level.
Experience, quality, charisma and appeal – Mancini has it all. If there’s a chance of appointing him, Palace should do all they can to appoint him. He has unfinished business in the Premier League.