Eddie Howe insists he is not affected by speculation that Newcastle United may move to replace him at the end of the season, with Julian Nagelsmann touted as a potential successor.
Howe’s second full season at St James’ Park has not gone to plan, with Newcastle sitting 10th in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s clash with fellow European hopefuls Wolves.
The former Bournemouth boss has had to contend with plenty of selection problems this term, with Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Nick Pope all sidelined by long-term injuries.
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The likes of Alexander Isak, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman have also missed significant periods, while Sandro Tonali is almost halfway through a 10-month ban for breaching gambling regulations.
Despite the mitigating circumstances, some have suggested Newcastle’s ambitious owners – led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – may wish to make a change in the dugout.
Current Germany boss Nagelsmann, who is only contracted to the national team until the end of Euro 2024, has been tipped as a candidate to succeed Howe, but the Newcastle boss is not worried about such speculation.
Eddie Howe’s challenge to his players:
“We can’t drop too many points, whether it is home or away. We know we are running out of chances; we have to start Saturday. There is no easy game in the Premier League. I think we have great character within the squad and confidence can… pic.twitter.com/EhqsZWyc7a
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 1, 2024
“Genuinely, it doesn’t affect me. I’m here, I’m sat in the seat. My future will be defined by what I do, no-one else,” he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“It’s up to me to continually prove myself. I back myself and my ability. I know my qualities. I know what I bring to the job and I have ambitions for the team and the club.
“I can’t control what people write and what speculation there is, so I don’t try to get involved in it.”
Asked if Newcastle’s owners understood the reasons behind their underwhelming campaign, Howe said: “It’s difficult for me to speak for them, but I have felt support and an understanding for the season that we have had and things that have been thrown at us.
“That’s really important from my side that I do feel that support. I’m not going to try and put words in people’s mouths, but I think they have seen from afar how difficult this season has been.”
