Eddie Howe makes defiant quit admission ahead of crunch Premier League clash with Tottenham
Eddie Howe has declared he would walk away from Newcastle United if he harboured any doubts about being the right person to lead the club forward.
The 48-year-old manager delivered a candid assessment on Monday following the Magpies’ 3-2 loss to Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday.
“There’s no doubt in my mind (I’m the right man) and that’s why I’m sat here,” Howe told reporters.
“If there was, then I wouldn’t be, because the club’s the most important thing. I’d never put myself before the club.”
Newcastle have now suffered three consecutive defeats, dropping to 12th in the Premier League table as they prepare to face Tottenham on Tuesday.
Howe revealed he was frustrated with his own performance and acknowledged he needed to improve as head coach.
The Newcastle boss emphasised that the club will always take priority over his personal position, stating: “The club’s always No 1.
Eddie Howe has declared he would walk away from Newcastle United if he harboured any doubts about being the right person to lead the club forward
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PA
“From my perspective, I’ve got to think that I am the right person for the job and I’m giving value and I’m helping the players.”
Despite the current difficulties, Howe insisted his drive remains undiminished.
“So as long as I feel that in my heart and in my spirit, then my desire and my motivation levels are as high as they’ve ever been,” he said.
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The Magpies are seeking their first league victory in five matches and their first away triumph since December when they travel to north London.
Howe acknowledged that finding an effective solution up front has proved elusive since Alexander Isak departed during the summer transfer window.
The manager has deployed Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Will Osula in the central striking role across the past three fixtures, yet none have provided the answer.
“It’s a valid question (re the striker issues),” Howe admitted.
“”It’s part of the preparation when you’re reviewing a game, which is what I did late Saturday night and most of yesterday.
“You’re looking at the structure of the team.”
Eddie Howe insists he’s still up for the job at Newcastle despite pressure mounting ahead of his side’s Premier League showdown with Tottenham
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PAHe also conceded the search for the optimal attacking configuration remains ongoing ahead of the Spurs encounter.
Howe was frank about the challenges of integrating recent signings into his tactical setup.
“I’ve got to be honest, it’s not quite functioned fully yet, with the players mentioned,” he said.
The manager stressed that discovering the right formula would be an evolving process.
“We need to find the best solution for the next game. That may be something that keeps evolving until we find the solution that we like,” Howe explained.
Newcastle’s squad has been hampered by injuries and a demanding fixture schedule this season. However, Howe remains optimistic that fortunes can shift rapidly.
