Newcastle United’s latest updates include a strong message from Alan Shearer regarding the growing questions around Eddie Howe’s future.
Despite Newcastle slipping to within just two points of the Premier League drop zone, Shearer insists that Howe is notunder serious pressure from the club’s hierarchy.
The Magpies head into the weekend hoping to halt back-to-back league defeats, but face a daunting challenge as Manchester City visit St James’ Park. Notably, Howe has never managed to defeat a Pep Guardiola side in the league — a streak stretching back to his Bournemouth days. Breaking that run would provide a major lift for Newcastle’s stuttering season and would quieten the background noise surrounding his position.
Although there is no indication that the Newcastle board is considering a managerial change, discussions among fans and pundits have intensified as results in the league continue to dip.
Shearer’s stance on Howe
Shearer believes the club will remain calm and look at Howe’s broader body of work. He highlighted Newcastle’s encouraging Champions League performances and yet another run to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals as proof that the manager still has credit in the bank. While the Premier League slump is concerning, Shearer argued that Howe will be backed to turn things around during a pivotal period in the season.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said Howe deserves patience:
“He’s got so much credit stored up. Yes, the league form — especially away from home — has been disappointing. But I expect we’ll see some tweaks, maybe a formation shift or personnel changes, because you can’t just repeat the same things. Eddie’s too smart for that. For me, he’s nowhere near being under threat.”
Newcastle now enter a challenging stretch of fixtures, including matches against Manchester City, Everton, Tottenham and Burnley before the Wear-Tyne derby arrives next month. Improving league form is likely to be the biggest priority for Howe and his staff in that run.
Team news
For the clash with Manchester City, Howe will be missing Dan Burn, who is suspended after his red card against Brentford. Summer arrival Yoane Wissa also continues his recovery from a knee injury and remains unavailable.
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