Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, might face challenges throughout the current season as the Magpies are experiencing difficulties in the Premier League.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, may face increasing scrutiny at St James’ Park due to a challenging start to the season. Journalist Dean Jones has explored the possibility of Jose Mourinho stepping in if the Public Investment Fund (PIF) decides to make a change next year, according to discussions with GIVEMESPORT.
Howe has effectively turned around Newcastle from a team struggling against relegation to one competing in the Champions League at the beginning of the season, demonstrating his managerial skills. The former Bournemouth manager achieved a remarkable top-four finish for the North East club in the previous campaign.
Nevertheless, there are arguments suggesting that, to reach the next level, Newcastle might require a manager with more experience and a higher pedigree. Prior to his tenure at St James’ Park, Howe had never managed a team participating in European competitions, and their performances in the Champions League this season have indeed been underwhelming.
Newcastle could replace Howe with Mourinho
The acquisition of Newcastle United by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has introduced an unprecedented level of financial strength to the club. The Magpies now aspire to more than mere survival in the Premier League, as was the case before the takeover, aiming to compete at the highest echelons both domestically and in European competitions.
Recent reports suggest that Newcastle United is contemplating Jose Mourinho, the current manager of Roma, as a potential successor to Eddie Howe. With an impressive track record boasting multiple league titles and UEFA Champions League triumphs, Mourinho’s credentials are self-evident. While Howe has performed admirably thus far, there are indications this season that he may not possess the capability to propel the team to the next level.
| Jose Mourinho – Selected Trophies | |
|---|---|
| Club | Trophies |
| Chelsea | Premier League x3, FA Cup, League Cup x3 |
| Real Madrid | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana |
| Manchester United | EFL Cup, Europa League |
| Inter Milan | Serie A x2, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, Champions League |
| Stats according to Transfermarkt | |
Mourinho is well-acquainted with managing high-profile players burdened with immense expectations. His stints at clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United exposed him to the challenges of handling superstar egos and overseeing squads brimming with talent. This wealth of experience could prove invaluable for Newcastle, especially considering their recent financial upturn, which may lead to further strengthening of their roster.
In December, journalist Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) holds admiration for Mourinho. Newcastle, under Howe, recently faced exits from both the Carabao Cup and the Champions League, finding themselves outside the top four as well. This situation might prompt the Magpies’ hierarchy to contemplate a change, perhaps not immediately but in the foreseeable future.
Dean Jones – Newcastle will have conversations over Howe replacement
Jones has indicated that discussions about Eddie Howe’s potential replacement at Newcastle may have already taken place. The journalist suggests that at some juncture, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) might become proactive and explore options like Mourinho, who has been labeled as ‘elite’ by The Athletic. In a conversation with GIVEMESPORT, Jones shared…
“At some point, they will get a bit trigger-happy and they will decide to make a change. You’re already seeing Jose Mourinho being linked with Newcastle. Those things don’t happen by luck. There’ll be stories there, there will be conversations had, even if they’re very low-key conversations, just try starting to sound out who they could get if they didn’t have Eddie Howe. I think at the back end of the season, they’ll get towards a big decision. Because if Newcastle aren’t in the Champions League places in the league, they’re already out of Europe, if they don’t win a cup, they will be thinking, well, has he taken us as far as he can go? How do we now take this club quickly to being a proper Champions League-level side?”
Eddie Howe wants reinforcements
To reverse their season’s trajectory and make a push for Champions League qualification, Eddie Howe is expected to seek new additions in January. There has been extensive coverage indicating that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is a potential target, with The Times reporting that Newcastle is interested in securing him on loan as a replacement for the suspended Sandro Tonali.
The same report suggests that Newcastle may also be considering a new forward, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike identified as a potential target. However, the club needs to exercise caution to ensure compliance with the Premier League’s financial regulations, as they have made significant expenditures since the takeover by the Public Investment Fund.
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