Two managers Huddersfield can target as Wagner’s replacement
According to BBC, David Wagner has left his role as the manager of Huddersfield Town by mutual consent with the club. The Terriers are in the bottom of the Premier League at the moment and are odds on favourite to get relegated.
The German took charge of the Terriers in November 2015 and got them promoted to top-flight football in 2017 via the playoffs. If that was considered a miracle, he then managed to keep a low-scoring team alive in the Premier League last season. The latter can be considered as a heist.
Hence, Huddersfield were in no mood to sack him even though they are 8 points from safety after 22 games played this season. But the manager wanted a break from the demands of football management and the Terriers hierarchy accepted his decision (h/t BBC). Thus, this was vehemently a joint decision.
Here are the two choices the Terriers can contemplate on before hiring a new manager:
Carlos Carvalhal
The Portuguese was a breath of fresh air in the Premier League the last time when he was the manager of Swansea City.
His management style can be something new and refreshing for the Huddersfield players. Moreover, the way he presents himself in press conferences helps the players to remain upbeat despite the negativity of the situation.
Carvalhal’s style of play is rigid and defensively strong, but emphasises on creating goal-scoring chances as well, something the Terriers have been lacking in abundance. A team struggling for goals always stays down there fighting for survival and this manager can help them to be bold in possession and sturdy without it.
Alan Pardew
Pardew has the experience of managing several clubs in the Premier League. Even though his previous stint with West Brom wasn’t great, the work he has done with Newcastle and Crystal Palace should be right up there in terms of taking the best out of a mediocre squad.
His 4-4-2 formation is defensively solid and attacks on the counter with strikers making channel runs and midfielders then joining in support.
Huddersfield need a manager who can not only keep the team solid at the back, but also let them express themselves in possession so that an adequate amount of goals are scored to have a chance to survive in the league this season. Pardew could be an ideal man for them.