Eddie Howe is willing to step down as Newcastle manager if he feels he's no longer the right man for the job, according to a recent statement from the 48-year-old. The former Brentford and Leeds boss has come under fire in recent weeks with his team struggling to maintain possession during matches.
Howe believes that the key to success lies not just in statistics but also in understanding the game's bigger picture and making decisions based on intuition. He acknowledges that his current playing style, characterized by high-intensity pressing and counterattacks, may not be effective against every opponent.
If Howe did believe he was losing control of the team, he would consider handing over the reins to someone else who could offer a fresh perspective. The Saudi Arabian-owned club's management has full confidence in him, but some fans have lost faith due to the team's recent poor performances.
The main issue for Newcastle is retaining possession, with Howe acknowledging that his players are struggling to control the ball effectively. He points to the Leeds match as an example of when this strategy worked, but notes that it did not yield positive results against Liverpool and Manchester City.
There are questions about whether Howe has become too reliant on data and statistics, potentially hindering his ability to see the bigger picture. Newcastle's center-forward position is also a concern, with multiple players taking turns in the role without convincing anyone.
In an effort to address these issues, Howe may consider adjusting his 4-3-3 formation to include Woltemade at number ten. He emphasizes that he wants to give value and help his players improve, saying that as long as he feels this way, his motivation will remain strong.
The coming days and weeks will test Howe's resolve and ability to lead the team out of their current slump. With a tough schedule ahead, including an FA Cup tie against Aston Villa and a Champions League playoff match in Azerbaijan, Newcastle's fate hangs in the balance.
Howe believes that the key to success lies not just in statistics but also in understanding the game's bigger picture and making decisions based on intuition. He acknowledges that his current playing style, characterized by high-intensity pressing and counterattacks, may not be effective against every opponent.
If Howe did believe he was losing control of the team, he would consider handing over the reins to someone else who could offer a fresh perspective. The Saudi Arabian-owned club's management has full confidence in him, but some fans have lost faith due to the team's recent poor performances.
The main issue for Newcastle is retaining possession, with Howe acknowledging that his players are struggling to control the ball effectively. He points to the Leeds match as an example of when this strategy worked, but notes that it did not yield positive results against Liverpool and Manchester City.
There are questions about whether Howe has become too reliant on data and statistics, potentially hindering his ability to see the bigger picture. Newcastle's center-forward position is also a concern, with multiple players taking turns in the role without convincing anyone.
In an effort to address these issues, Howe may consider adjusting his 4-3-3 formation to include Woltemade at number ten. He emphasizes that he wants to give value and help his players improve, saying that as long as he feels this way, his motivation will remain strong.
The coming days and weeks will test Howe's resolve and ability to lead the team out of their current slump. With a tough schedule ahead, including an FA Cup tie against Aston Villa and a Champions League playoff match in Azerbaijan, Newcastle's fate hangs in the balance.