NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: New Newcastle Head Coach Eddie Howe (c) pictured at his unveiling press conference with Directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi at St. James Park on November 10, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe deflects questions over Newcastle United owners
Howe insists that the decision to take on the job with the Magpies was a football decision.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: New Newcastle Head Coach Eddie Howe (c) pictured at his unveiling press conference with Directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi at St. James Park on November 10, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newly appointed Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe deflected questions regarding the issue of Saudi Arabia’s appalling human rights record at his first press conference.
Howe insists that the decision to take on the job with the Magpies was a football decision. His appointment follows the sacking of Steve Bruce which came soon after the controversial takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Eddie Howe says joining Newcastle was a ‘football decision’
“For me it was a football decision,” he said. “I’m absolutely delighted to be here. My focus is football – that’s all I’m going to concern myself with. I’ll give everything to the job, every single day. But success is going to take a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice and a lot of suffering from everyone here.
“It feels fantastic; I’m incredibly privileged. Everything just feels right: the club’s potential, the size, the history, the owners. I’ve been very, very impressed with the new owners and their vision. To come to St James’ Park for the first time as manager of Newcastle is an amazing feeling.”
Howe said that his immediate goal was ensuring that Newcastle United stay in the Premiership.
“Success now is staying in the Premier League; it’s going to be a real challenge,” said the 43-year-old. “I’m not underestimating it.”
The former Bournemouth boss rejected the notion that he had accepted football’s toughest job.
“I’m sure there are plenty of managers around the world who would put their hands up for that. But, OK, if you’re narrowing it down to English football, it’s not an easy job.”
Newcastle United have not won a single one of their 11 Premier League matches this season and sit 19th on the ladder.
Much has been made of what the club will do once they are able to flex their newfound financial muscle in the transfer market but Howe said he couldn’t afford to think about January with the November and December programme facing Newcastle.
“The last thing I want to talk about is January,” he said. “There are so many difficult games between now and then; I want to get the best out of the players we have here now.”
