As the Premier League kick-off on August 16 draws near, anticipation is building for the 2024/25 season.
One of the biggest talking points is the arrival of five new managers, some stepping into the Premier League spotlight for the first time and others familiar with the EPL terrain.
They will face the formidable challenge of going head-to-head with serial winners like Pep Guardiola, his ace competitor Mikel Arteta, and a host of other experienced EPL-tested coaches.
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With the league set to run until May, this season promises to be a thrilling battle of tactics and tenacity.
Here’s a closer look at what’s new this season from the EPL website:
Arne Slot (Liverpool)
The 45-year-old Dutchman, Arne Slot, has taken the reins at Liverpool, becoming the club’s first new head coach in nearly a decade following Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of last season.
Slot arrives from Feyenoord, where he enjoyed a successful three-year tenure, securing an Eredivisie title, winning the Dutch Cup, and reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022.
Slot’s Premier League debut will see him lead Liverpool in an away match against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 17.
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
Italian coach Enzo Maresca was appointed as Chelsea’s head coach at the start of June, stepping in to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
Maresca arrives with impressive credentials, having guided Leicester City to an immediate return to the Premier League by winning the Championship title last season, following their relegation in 2022/23.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a midfielder, including a stint at West Bromwich Albion, Maresca also has ties to Manchester City, where he served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant in 2022.
In an intriguing twist, Maresca’s first Premier League match will see him face his former mentor, as Chelsea hosts Manchester City on Sunday, August 18.
Kieran McKenna (Ipswich)
At just 38, Kieran McKenna has led Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions since taking charge in December 2021, earning the club its first Premier League appearance since 2002.
After an injury ended his playing career at 22, McKenna transitioned into coaching, taking on academy roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
He later joined the first-team coaching staff at Old Trafford, working under José Mourinho and Ralf Rangnick.
McKenna’s Premier League debut will be a challenging one, as Ipswich hosts Liverpool on August 17.
Russell Martin (Southampton)
At 38 years old, Russell Martin guided Southampton to promotion in his debut season at St Mary’s, bringing the club back to the Premier League after just a year away.
A former defender with 125 Premier League appearances for Norwich City, Martin has also managed MK Dons and Swansea City.
His first match as a Premier League manager will be an away fixture against Newcastle United on August 17.
Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton)
Fabian Hurzeler, appointed as Brighton & Hove Albion’s head coach at just 31 years and 110 days old, is set to make history as the youngest head coach to lead a Premier League match when he takes charge against Everton on August 17 at 31 years and 180 days.
Notably, Hurzeler will also be the first Premier League head coach born after the competition’s inception in August 1992.
Last season, he successfully guided German second-tier club St Pauli to promotion to the Bundesliga.
August 16: EPL begins
Anticipation is building as five new managers enter the Premier League, ready to challenge established figures like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
With the season running through May, fans can expect a dynamic and competitive campaign filled with fresh strategies and intense matches.
Community Shield – Aug. 10
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that this year’s Community Shield is a Manchester derby that is typically played at Wembley Stadium. It has been a part of English football since 1908.
It is considered a major domestic trophy, although it is not part of the regular league or cup competitions.
Manchester City, the Premier League champions, will face Manchester United, the FA Cup winners. The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
The Community Shield is an annual football match in England that serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for the new football season.
It is contested between the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup from the previous season.
If the same team wins both the Premier League and the FA Cup, the match is played between the Premier League champions and the FA Cup runners-up.