Stubborn Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insists he expects to remain the head coach of the Magpies next season after his meeting with the club’s board and PIF on Thursday, despite mounting pressure after a disastrous season in Tyneside.
The meeting with the Public Investment Fund arrived after a poor stretch that has left Newcastle 14th in the Premier League, with nine defeats in their last 12 matches, and fighting to avoid relegation.
The club’s regression has triggered massive reactions from Geordie
fans and some pundits, with Howe required to explain both performances and planning to PIF in their internal meetup.
Howe was asked to deliver a presentation to the board outlining the reasons why the season derailed, his view of the future, and his plans for improvement on the ever-worsening results the team is earning these days, while also facing direct questioning over the team’s decline.
“There were challenging conversations, challenging questions, but that’s all part of it,” Howe said. “This year, of course, slightly more difficult questions because of our league position.”
Despite all the pressure, Howe made it clear he still sees himself leading the club into next season, even as results continue to fall short.
“I have to retain that confidence,” Howe said. “I don’t think it serves anybody not to have that long-term vision.”
Newcastle’s hierarchy, however, has not offered unconditional backing of Howe even if they still seem to be leaning toward keeping him around for the long run. Howe acknowledged that the results he gets during the final games of the season will be decisive and could determine his future in or out of Tyneside.
“You can talk as much as you want but the proof is in how the team performs,” Howe said. “I’m under no illusions that that needs to be positive.
“I’m under no illusions I have to get results. It’s a responsibility that comes with the job.”
Newcastle faces Brighton on Saturday in their fourth-to-last game of the EPL season.
