12 March 2024 , 14:32
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Richard Keys has urged Newcastle to sack Eddie Howe and replace him with Jose Mourinho to get the side back on track.
The Magpies finished fourth last season and booked a spot in the Champions League. But they have failed to replicate those heroics this season and have endured a tough time on the pitch.
Following Monday’s 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, Newcastle sit 10th and are already 15 points behind the top four. They have lost 12 of their 28 league games so far this term, while also finishing bottom of a testing Champions League group that included Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
That form has seen current boss Howe come under pressure at St James’ Park. Broadcaster Keys believes that the former Bournemouth coach should be jettisoned in favour of Mourinho, particularly if the Newcastle hierarchy have ambitions of winning silverware.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “What’s happened to the Geordie revolution? It was great to see the Toon mixing it with the big boys last season. Why have the wheels come off so quickly? Is it time for phase 2? And Jose? There are no guarantees of a trophy in football – unless you employ him.”
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The idea of Mourinho taking the reins has been suggested in the past. It is a move that Magpies icon Alan Shearer is not particularly keen on.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: “He has had an amazing career, Jose. Where he goes next I’m not sure. But, no, I am very happy with Eddie Howe at Newcastle and the job he has done and the role he is doing.”
Howe, 46, has been in charge at Newcastle since replacing Steve Bruce at the helm in 2021. He guided the club away from relegation in his first season, while he sealed a place in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup final during his second campaign.
Eddie Howe has come under pressure this season (Getty Images)Should Newcastle sack Eddie Howe? Share your thoughts in the comments below
He signed a new long-term deal with the club in August 2022. Howe’s job is reportedly not under any immediate threat although the Newcastle hierarchy will conduct a review at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, his touted replacement Mourinho remains out of work. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss was sacked by Italian side Roma in January.
Since then, he has been linked with a host of jobs including Saudi side Al-Shabab, as well as a sensational return to Chelsea. Mourinho actually met Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah at the weekend.
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