Football is a game of highs and lows, and even the biggest clubs in the world can find themselves in troubled waters.
Once-mighty powerhouses have slipped into mediocrity, and unless drastic changes are made, their struggles will continue. Here’s a look at five football giants in serious need of a reset.
1. Manchester United – A Fallen Empire
Manchester United’s struggles are no secret. Once the dominant force in English football, the club has been in turmoil since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Under new manager Ruben Amorim, United have suffered a shocking five defeats in the last month, including a painful 2-0 loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford. Fans are growing impatient, and even players like Amad Diallo are pleading with them to stay loyal. Amorim himself called the situation “a little bit embarrassing.”
Despite winning the FA Cup last season, their eighth-place Premier League finish— their worst since the 1980s—proves that silverware alone won’t solve their deeper issues. The club needs a top-to-bottom reset, from the boardroom to the squad, if they want to return to their former glory.
2. Manchester City – Cracks in the Dynasty
Unlike their local rivals, Manchester City have been the definition of consistency under Pep Guardiola. However, recent form suggests they might need a rethink.
At one point, City lost nine out of 12 games—an astonishing collapse for a team that had only lost nine games in their previous 106 matches combined. Injuries have played a role, but opponents have also found ways to exploit their high press, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks. Defensively, they have been shaky, and off-field issues—including an ongoing financial investigation—have added pressure. City need to recalibrate if they hope to maintain their dominance.
3. Tottenham Hotspur – A Club Without a Winning Mentality
Spurs have shown moments of brilliance, but their inability to win silverware remains a major issue. Former managers Antonio Conte and José Mourinho both called out the squad’s mentality, branding them as complacent and lacking ambition.
Even current boss Ange Postecoglou has hinted at a need for cultural change. With years of near misses, Tottenham must overhaul their approach and instill a winning mentality if they want to shed the “nearly men” label.
4. West Ham United – Big Spending, Big Problems
West Ham invested £127.5 million in new players, yet they continue to struggle. Defensive frailties have been exposed, and poor decision-making from ownership has only fueled fan frustration.
David Sullivan and the late David Gold were often criticized for lacking ambition, and despite the financial outlay, the club remains far from where it needs to be. If West Ham wants to turn things around, they need both on-field stability and off-field restructuring.
5. Borussia Dortmund – No Longer Bayern’s Biggest Threat
Once Bayern Munich’s biggest domestic rival, Borussia Dortmund has fallen behind the chasing pack. With teams like Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig surpassing them, Dortmund’s struggles are evident.
Under new manager Nuri Sahin, the team has been inconsistent, and their away form has been particularly poor. To make matters worse, off-field controversies, such as the Youssoufa Moukoko age scandal, have further distracted the club. A serious reset is needed to get back to competing for titles.
Conclusion
Football’s biggest clubs are not immune to decline, and these seven teams are in desperate need of change. Whether it’s overhauling the squad, improving their leadership, or redefining their playing style, they must act fast to reclaim their former status. What do you think? Which of these teams has the best chance of bouncing back?
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