Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive reign over the Bundesliga this season has somewhat eclipsed the extraordinary work done by Sebastian Hoeness at Stuttgart.
The 42-year-old manager, in his inaugural full season with the club, orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, lifting Stuttgart from the threat of relegation play-offs to a remarkable second-place finish, surpassing even Bayern Munich.
This feat, especially under the shadow of Xabi Alonso’s dominant Bayer Leverkusen, underscores Hoeness’ managerial prowess. His tactical versatility, shifting between three-man and four-man defenses, was instrumental in this success, with Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav scoring 28 and 18 goals respectively.
Despite attracting interest from Bayern Munich, Hoeness has publicly stated his commitment to Stuttgart, though an enticing project outside Germany might change his stance.
Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna, previously deemed more of a hindrance than a help at Manchester United, has achieved a monumental accomplishment in English football. After steering Ipswich Town to promotion from League One in the 2022/23 season, McKenna remarkably secured another promotion, propelling Ipswich to the Premier League just a year later.
This feat saw them clinch the final automatic promotion spot, outmaneuvering clubs like Southampton and Leeds United. McKenna’s success has not gone unnoticed; he has been linked with a potential return to Manchester United, where he once worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and has also impressed Chelsea.
The connection between Ipswich and Chelsea is further solidified through loanee Omari Hutchinson, who played a key role in Ipswich’s promotion.
In a twist of fortunes, Vincent Kompany, despite experiencing relegation with Burnley, remains a figure of interest for major clubs. Kompany was on Chelsea’s radar before Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment, largely due to his commendable performance in the Championship with Burnley.
His ability to deliver exciting football with a relatively talented squad caught the eye. Although Burnley struggled once they moved to the Premier League, Chelsea’s owners might still consider giving Kompany another chance, especially since Bayern Munich has also shown interest.
Michel’s management at Girona has been another standout story in European football. Under his leadership, Girona, promoted to La Liga before the 2022/23 season, managed a top-ten finish in their first year back and posed a genuine threat to the traditional powerhouses this season.
Despite ultimately losing momentum, their performance was remarkable for a team with such limited resources. Michel’s adeptness at adjusting formations in response to different challenges has earned him significant praise. Financially, Girona cannot compete with a club like Chelsea, making a potential move to Stamford Bridge a feasible proposition if Michel is interested.
Lastly, there’s the intriguing possibility of Thomas Tuchel returning to Chelsea. While he does not fit the “young, progressive” mold that Chelsea’s owners seem to be seeking, Tuchel has an exceptionally strong rapport with Chelsea fans, a factor that could be invaluable during turbulent times.
Although his tenure at Bayern Munich this season has seen ups and downs, his strong performance in the Champions League has helped restore his reputation. Reports from Germany indicate that Tuchel would be open to a reunion with Chelsea, though he is also believed to be eyeing the Manchester United job.
