Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has reiterated that he would consider stepping down if he believed he was no longer the right man for the job, despite his team's current slump in form. The 48-year-old, however, maintains unwavering confidence in his ability to steer the Magpies out of their struggles.
Howe's mantra is clear: he always asks himself whether he's still the right person to take the team and club forward. There's no doubt in his mind that this is the case. If he ever had any doubts, however, he'd be willing to walk away to let someone else try their luck.
The manager acknowledges that things are currently tough for Newcastle, but believes that this period of despair could be a temporary phase. The team needs to regain its momentum โ a turnaround could look very different in just a couple of games.
While Howe retains the full backing of the club's UK-based hierarchy, some fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the team's tactics and questioning the manager's approach. His preferred high-intensity style has merit, but there are serious questions about the team's ball retention, leading to 'chaotic' performances.
Howe recognizes that his players need improvement in this department, particularly when it comes to controlling the game. The recent defeats have exposed this weakness, with the team struggling to cope with a relentless fixture list. This is partly due to their involvement in the Champions League.
History tells us that Newcastle excels in transitional games, but against top teams like Liverpool and Manchester City, the transition has not helped them. Howe is keen to analyze his team's approach and make adjustments to get back on track.
The manager has been experimenting with new formations, including a 4-2-3-1 setup with Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali at number ten. While this hasn't fully clicked yet, he remains committed to giving value to the players and helping them improve.
For now, Howe is resolute in his determination to succeed. He describes his task as being to give value to the team, a sentiment that could be tested in the coming days and weeks with crucial games against Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Manchester City on the horizon.
Ultimately, it's up to Howe to steer Newcastle out of their slump and restore faith in his leadership.
Howe's mantra is clear: he always asks himself whether he's still the right person to take the team and club forward. There's no doubt in his mind that this is the case. If he ever had any doubts, however, he'd be willing to walk away to let someone else try their luck.
The manager acknowledges that things are currently tough for Newcastle, but believes that this period of despair could be a temporary phase. The team needs to regain its momentum โ a turnaround could look very different in just a couple of games.
While Howe retains the full backing of the club's UK-based hierarchy, some fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the team's tactics and questioning the manager's approach. His preferred high-intensity style has merit, but there are serious questions about the team's ball retention, leading to 'chaotic' performances.
Howe recognizes that his players need improvement in this department, particularly when it comes to controlling the game. The recent defeats have exposed this weakness, with the team struggling to cope with a relentless fixture list. This is partly due to their involvement in the Champions League.
History tells us that Newcastle excels in transitional games, but against top teams like Liverpool and Manchester City, the transition has not helped them. Howe is keen to analyze his team's approach and make adjustments to get back on track.
The manager has been experimenting with new formations, including a 4-2-3-1 setup with Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali at number ten. While this hasn't fully clicked yet, he remains committed to giving value to the players and helping them improve.
For now, Howe is resolute in his determination to succeed. He describes his task as being to give value to the team, a sentiment that could be tested in the coming days and weeks with crucial games against Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Manchester City on the horizon.
Ultimately, it's up to Howe to steer Newcastle out of their slump and restore faith in his leadership.