Premier League’s new bosses brace for battle

Nine Premier League clubs will welcome new managers when the new season begins on Friday, but none will face the intense scrutiny like Enzo Maresca, Andoni Iraola, and Xabi Alonso. Since 1946/47, the first season after World War II, there has never been such a high rate of managerial turnover before the start of an English top-flight campaign. The flurry of changes means Michael Carrick, who only joined Manchester United in January, is now the league's 10th-longest-serving manager.

Maresca, Iraola, and Alonso will confront the harshest criticism as they embark on challenging roles at Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Manchester City's Italian manager is already under pressure after a disappointing start to his third stint at the club, replacing Pep Guardiola. City regards Maresca as a strong candidate to succeed Guardiola, who won 20 trophies during his tenures at the club.

Andoni Iraola, 44, has taken the Liverpool job after Arne Slot's sudden departure following a 12-month tenure that saw Liverpool win their record 20th English league title. Iraola's tactical expertise is expected to bring the aggressive style of football back to Anfield, reminiscent of the heavy metal football era under Jurgen Klopp, who preceded him.

Xabi Alonso, 44, is set to lead Chelsea after a turbulent stint at Real Madrid. Alonso's early exit from Madrid left a scar, but he is now focused on stabilizing the Chelsea squad and restoring stability to a club in desperate need of a period of calm.