Expectations were high when the former Juventus boss arrived in February to steady the ship, but his reality was grim. He managed just one victory in seven matches across all competitions, a Champions League round of 16 second-leg win over Atletico Madrid that ultimately proved futile as the club crashed out of Europe. His domestic record was even more concerning, yielding four defeats in five top-flight outings. Most damagingly for his reputation, he oversaw three consecutive London derby losses against Arsenal, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, leaving the hierarchy desperate to avoid a catastrophic drop into the Championship.