Xisco to Xis-gone - Where Sheffield Wednesday’s season start all went wrong after Owls boss leaves
Sheffield Wednesday are on the lookout for the ninth permanent manager in Dejphon Chansiri’s time at the club after Xisco’s departure spelled the end of another unfortunate tenure.
The Spaniard’s spell at Hillsborough lasted just 93 days - over double that of Tony Pulis - and he leaves the club with only one victory to his name in a competitive fixture, a penalty shootout victory over Stockport County in the Carabao Cup.
It was a job that was always going to be tough as he replaced Darren Moore on the back of a record-breaking promotion-winning campaign in League One, and it became clear in his unveiling alongside Owls chairman, Dejphon Chansiri, that Wednesday aren’t like a lot of other clubs.
Defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night proved to be the straw the broke the camel’s back as the club confirmed their worst ever start to a league campaign, and the following evening it was announced that he and his four-man technical team would be vacating with immediate effect.
We took a look back at some of the defining moments of a tough spell for a manager who was up against it from day one:
It had become clear that with Xisco’s style and formation he was on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder, and on August 11th they finally got one - Momo Diaby. His debut was extremely promising as he bossed things in the middle of the park - but he sustained a nasty injury just after the hour mark and hasn’t been seen on a pitch since. At the end of the month the Owls missed out on Jamal Lowe, who has gone on to score three times for Swansea City - another transfer disappointment.
Going into game six across all competitions Xisco had a chance to get his first win in 90 minutes against a Mansfield side from two divisions below. Penalty shootout defeat saw the sounds of discontent grow at the club and heading towards the international break the pressure was starting to grow. A draw against Leeds United bought some time. Photo: Steve Ellis
7. September 23rd - The ‘Xisco Out’ brigade find their voice
Wednesday headed out to Swansea with both teams still in search of their first win. The Owls had kept games tight for the most part without coming out on top, but in Wales they were picked apart and beaten 3-0. For the first time there were chants for Xisco’s departure from the away fans, on top of the growing calls for Chansiri’s exit. Photo: Steve Ellis Steve Ellis
8. September 29th - Chansiri’s statement breaks the camel’s back
Discontent was becoming more and more widespread throughout the fanbase, with the general situation at the club but particularly with the way Chansiri was running it. A statement on the day of the Sunderland game accused fans of being ‘selfish’ - and had the expected effect - while concern grew as he said he wouldn’t put any additional funds into the club. Xisco said he hadn’t seen it, but it certainly didn’t help the Spaniard out.
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