Is Everton's Shocking Sacking of Sorensen Just Days After a Big Win a Bold Move?

Everton has sacked head coach Brian Sorensen just days after their first home victory of the Women's Super League (WSL) season. Despite a win over Aston Villa, the club's position near the relegation zone has prompted a change in leadership. Sorensen, who took charge in April 2022, struggled to establish a consistent team, leading to frustrations among supporters and the club's management.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In a surprising move, Everton has decided to part ways with manager Brian Sorensen following their recent 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Goodison Park. Despite this win, which marked their first of the season, the club is in a precarious position, currently fourth from bottom in the WSL standings. CEO Angus Kinnear stated that a change in direction was essential for the team's progression, reflecting widespread concerns about their performance and strategy under Sorensen's leadership.

Key takeaways

• Brian Sorensen has been sacked as Everton head coach after a disappointing start to the WSL season.
• The club secured their first home win against Aston Villa, but concerns about performance persisted.
• Scott Phelan will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events leading to Sorensen's dismissal has been swift and revealing:

• April 2022: Brian Sorensen appointed as Everton head coach.
• October 2023: Everton secured their first home win of the WSL season against Aston Villa.
• 25 October 2023: Sorensen is sacked as the club decides on a change in leadership structure.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant update is Sorensen's dismissal, which comes just after a strategic recruitment phase where the club signed midfielder Zara Kramzar from Roma. This timing suggests a potential shift in strategy as the club aims for stability amid ongoing performance issues.

What was already established

Prior to his sacking, Sorensen faced pressure due to the team's poor performance, with supporters expressing frustration over inconsistent squad selections and tactical decisions. His previous success, particularly during a challenging injury crisis last season, created expectations for improved performance this year with new investments and player acquisitions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The club's management changes may influence ticket sales and overall fan engagement as supporters react to the team's performance and leadership decisions. Stability is crucial for maintaining interest and attendance at matches.

Businesses and jobs

With Sorensen's departure, the coaching staff's structure will shift, potentially affecting the development of players and the overall team strategy. The appointment of Scott Phelan as interim coach may bring a new approach, but uncertainty could also impact the team's performance in the short term.

Policy and regulation

In the context of the WSL, Everton's decision may prompt discussions about coaching standards and the pressures faced by managers in women's football. The club's focus on improving performance could lead to a more rigorous evaluation of coaching practices across the league.

Numbers that matter

• 4: Everton's position, currently fourth from bottom in the WSL table.
• 1: The number of wins so far this season, achieved against Aston Villa.
• 2: Goals scored by Martina Fernandez in the win over Aston Villa.

Definitions and jargon buster

• WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
• Interim coach: A temporary coach appointed to manage the team until a permanent replacement is found.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Everton will look to stabilise the team under interim coach Scott Phelan. This period will be crucial for assessing the squad’s capabilities and making necessary adjustments.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the club will need to evaluate potential permanent managerial candidates and implement strategies that leverage their new signings effectively. Success in upcoming fixtures will be vital in determining their league standing.

Signals to watch

• Everton's performance in the next few matches, particularly against teams higher in the table.
• Any announcements regarding a permanent managerial appointment.
• Player development and utilisation under the new coaching structure.

Practical guidance

Do

• Monitor Everton's upcoming matches for signs of improvement.
• Engage with club communications for updates on managerial decisions.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of a coaching change on team morale and performance.
• Ignore the importance of supporter feedback in the club's decision-making process.

Checklist

• Stay informed about the team's progress in the league.
• Watch for changes in player performance under new coaching.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of recent signings in upcoming matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The decision to sack Sorensen could backfire if the new management structure does not yield immediate results. The uncertainty regarding player performance and team chemistry under a new coach adds further risk to Everton's season. Additionally, the long-term implications of this managerial change on the club’s strategy and player development remain to be seen.

Bottom line

Everton's sacking of Brian Sorensen signals a critical juncture for the club as they seek to escape the relegation zone. The upcoming matches will be pivotal for determining whether the interim leadership can stabilise the team and lay the groundwork for future success.

FAQs

Why was Brian Sorensen sacked as Everton head coach?

Brian Sorensen was sacked due to the team's poor performance, currently positioned fourth from bottom in the Women's Super League, despite a recent win.

Who will manage Everton's women's team now?

Scott Phelan, the Under-18s coach, has been appointed as the interim manager for the women's team for the remainder of the season.

What impact does this have on Everton's players?

The change in management could lead to a shift in player roles and strategies, which may affect their performance in upcoming matches.