Which Premier League manager outside of the 'top six' could make that leap?
By Oli Dickson Jefford
The Premier League boasts some of the best managers in the world with Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte all in the dugouts.
While these were all established names before being hired by their current clubs, all managers have to start somewhere.
Of the other managers in the Premier League, there are a handful who could find themselves in a ‘top six’ job one day- here are a few of them.
Graham Potter
Potter forged a strong reputation at Östersunds in Sweden, and also stabilised Swansea during his time in Wales.
Since moving to Brighton in 2019, the 46-year-old has continued to receive praise for maximising his squad’s potential.
Brighton may have issues scoring but the side is well-organised and the Seagulls are flying high this season, sitting in the top half of the table - Potter deserves huge credit for that.
He could already be a top six manager, reportedly rejecting the advances of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy this summer.
However, if Potter continues to excel despite limited resources it surely will not be too long before a bigger club comes calling.
Eddie Howe
Considering Howe has just returned to management at Newcastle, it might be a while before he is in contention to move elsewhere.
But looking at how well he did at Bournemouth, he has already shown great potential to build from at St. James’ Park.
Though he stepped down following their relegation, Bournemouth’s five-year stay in the top flight was unprecedented with the highlight an astonishing ninth-placed finish in 2016-17.
The 43-year-old certainly has an uphill task on Tyneside now, taking over at a club that sit 19th and are yet to win this season.
However, considering the recent takeover at Newcastle, this might be the perfect job for Howe to demonstrate how good he is with financial backing ahead of another big move in the future.
Patrick Vieira
Despite a poor start to his managerial career, Vieira has already stepped up during his first season at Crystal Palace
Palace have lost just twice in the league and though they have struggled to close games out, they have played some attractive football under the Frenchman.
Vieira was widely praised - and deservedly so - after the Eagles’ stunning victory over Man City and he is seemingly finding his feet in the dugout.
A Premier League legend as a player, Vieira was a hugely influential player at Arsenal and is still revered at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta is starting to thrive in the dugout for the Gunners, Vieira could well find himself manager at his beloved club in the future - a move to another top six club is unlikely, but shouldn’t be ruled out.
And, speaking of a club legend returning as a manager...
Steven Gerrard
After a successful spell at Rangers, Gerrard is taking the next step of his managerial career at Aston Villa.
Villa have struggled this season, losing five straight matches despite having a squad that should arguably be competing in the top half and potentially pushing for Europe.
With a talented squad, Gerrard has the perfect opportunity to not only help Villa’s revival but also show his credentials for the job of his dreams: Liverpool.
He is synonymous with the club and though Klopp does not look like leaving anytime soon, the German won’t stay forever.
Gerrard would already be the huge favourite to take over that job post-Klopp but a strong couple of seasons in the Midlands would likely make him the only contender.
It seems more of a case of when, not if, he manages the club he won nine trophies with during a stellar career.
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