6 Coaches Who Could Start the Club Season on the Hot Seat

Now that Euro 2012 is finished, it's back to reality for fans, players and coaches of European club teams. For some, reality isn't necessarily a pleasant experience.

When the European season restarts in August, several coaches will already feel the heat beneath their seat. Whether it's because of a poor end to last season or unrealistic expectations, these six guys might already be under pressure when the season starts.

And they're not all necessarily based in Europe.

Have another name for the hot seat? Let me know in the comments or via Twitter @MikeCummings37.

Jupp Heynckes

Club: Bayern Munich (GER)

Jupp Heynckes has departed Bayern under pressure before, in 1991.

He returned to the club in 2009 for just over a month after the sacking of Jurgen Klinsmann, and now that he's in his second full season of his third stint with the Bavarian giants, Heynckes might be feeling the pressure again.

Bayern limped over the finish line last season, finishing second to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, losing to a blowout to Dortmund in the German Cup final and falling to Chelsea on penalties in the Champions League final.

That means Bayern almost had an epic season. But at a club like Bayern, almost is not good enough.

If the Bavarians start slowly this season, watch out.

Steve Kean

Club: Blackburn Rovers (ENG)

The 2011-12 season saw Blackburn relegated from the English Premier League amid fan protests of club ownership and management.

Did that spell doom for Steve Kean? Heck no. He just keeps managing, oblivious to the outside world.

But for how long?

Diego Maradona

Club: Al Wasl (UAE)

Wait, is Diego Maradona really still managing Al Wasl?

If so, isn't he always just a mental meltdown away from the sack?

Massimiliano Allegri

Club: AC Milan (ITA)

AC Milan finished the 2011-12 season without winning the league, the Italian Cup or Champions League. For a club of Milan's stature, that doesn't—and can't—happen.

That's why Massimiliano Allegri will start the 2012-13 season on the hot seat despite the fact that he delivered the Serie A title in 2010-11.

With a string of losses at the beginning of the new season, the Rossoneri might be looking for a new boss.

But if they start the season on a roll, Allegri should survive.

Roberto Di Matteo

Club: Chelsea (ENG)

Roberto Di Matteo shouldn't be anywhere near this list. The 42-year-old Italian led Chelsea to the FA Cup and Champions League titles as interim manager during the latter part of last season.

But anyone who follows Chelsea knows that owner Roman Abramovich isn't exactly a reasonable man, especially when it comes to managers.

RDM could either become a Chelsea legend after a decades-long career or a victim of the sack within a couple more months. With Abramovich, one simply never knows.

Tito Vilanova

Club: Barcelona (ESP)

Pep Guardiola parted ways with Barcelona at the end of last season following four glorious years at the helm. In his stead, he left top assistant Tito Vilanova.

As Guardiola's former right-hand man, Vilanova should have the tools to continue Guardiola's famed style at Barcelona. He certainly has the players needed for success.

But what if Barcelona stumble out of the gates and Lionel Messi suddenly hits an unprecedented scoring drought?

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