Europe's other 5 crisis clubs

The other five European giants who are going through crises of varying severity are: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Monaco, AC Milan and Fenerbahce.

It is strage for some of the continents biggest clubs to be struggling and even stranger that they would all pass through their sticky patch at the same time, but in football things seldom go to plan. 

Manchester United

It is touch and go whether the crisis is engulfing the club or mainly just manager Jose Mourinho. As usual the Portuguese has been taking the brunt of the criticism as his side have got off to an inconsistent and patchy start to the season.

Indeed, it has been the worst start to a season for the 'Red Devils' since 1989-90', with the club having accrued just 14 points form a possible 27, something which hasn't sat well with the fans who expected them to be launch a genuine title tilt this season.

Then there is the small matter of the embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of second-tier Derby County.

Bayern Munich

Having grown used to winning the Bundesliga at a canter, Bayern's poor start is all the more baffling. Five straight wins to kick off the campaign were followed up by a four-game iwnless run in all competitions, though a victory at Wolfsburg on Saturday could well be the catalyst that their season needed.

Given the quality at their disposal, the Bavarians are as good as expected to win the division, but currently find themselves in fourth some four points behind leaders and bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund.

Monaco

The most surprising and drastic case on this list. The Monegasque side don't have the history of some of the other clubs mentioned, but their fall form grace has been sudden and unexpected.

The principality club find themselves marooned in the relegation zone, having finished second last season. Leonardo Jardim was forced to fall on his sword as a result of his side's struggles, with former star Thierry Henry being shipped in to kick-start their re-birth.

The legendary goal-getter got off to a losing start in his first game in charge, leaving the club winless since the first game of the season (August 11) and sitting 19th in Ligue 1.

AC Milan

Gennaro Gattuso's side passed through erratic spells last season and this term has been no different. The Italian giants currently sit 12th in Serie A, some 13 points off the pace of leaders Juventus, having won just three of their eight games so far this season.

A derby defeat against bitter rivals Inter at the weekend hardly helped to lift the gloom at San Siro, though a 100% record in the Europa League does provide some light at the end of the tunnel for the 'Rossoneri'.

Fenerbahce

The Turkish side have got off to a frankly disastrous start, claiming just two victories in nine games to leave rookie boss Phillip Cocu in something of a tight spot.

Sitting in 15th, Fener are already 10 points shy of leaders Galatasaray and are outside of the relegation zone by only a point.