Will the three-week break put more pressure on managers?

Three weeks of international break may place additional stress on football managers, particularly those grappling with poor results. In recent years, only two managers have been replaced during this extended break, suggesting it is not the norm to change managers during this period. However, with the pressure mounting for Fulham's Alvaro Arbeloa and Manchester United's Michael Carrick, who both find themselves in challenging positions heading into the next international break, the situation could change.

Arbeloa, a recently appointed manager at Fulham, has struggled to secure wins in his first four Premier League matches, with three defeats. Reports indicate discontent among the squad due to social media activity, further amplifying the pressure on Arbeloa. Carrick, on the other hand, is under scrutiny following Manchester United's recent EFL Cup exit to Brighton and a 1-0 loss to Manchester City. Despite their few victories this season, Carrick's job remains at risk.

The longer and later international break this year may have contributed to the heightened concern surrounding these managers. Historically, fewer managers have lost their jobs during this period compared to previous years. Still, the trend suggests that a struggling manager might still face the possibility of losing their job during this extended international break.

The pressure for a manager to perform well during these breaks is evident, as it provides an opportunity for them to settle into their new role and take stock of the team and the upcoming fixtures.