Eddie Howe faces make-or-break test as Mourinho temptation looms for Newcastle

15 March 2024 , 19:41

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Eddie Howe is under pressure after a tricky spell at Newcastle (Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle United are finding that even with Saudi Arabian cash becoming trophy contenders is not easy.

In these ultra-competitive days, even money and renewed hope doesn’t guarantee success, especially when you are playing catch up, and the financial rules of the Premier League and UEFA are putting the brakes on any investment.

I remember a year ago when Newcastle lost the Carabao Cup final fans consoling themselves by saying it didn’t matter, because it was the first of many. And that they were nailed on to win a cup soon because of their new owners. Well, it is make or break time on Saturday for Newcastle and Eddie Howe for another season.

The nation will tune in to see the Geordies visit Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter final, where they’ve lost the last 15 league games to a combined score of 49 goals to seven. It will be a shock if Howe can pull off a win, given their current form, but good luck to them. Seeing 50,000 Geordies go mad at Wembley is always uplifting.

But the Toon are at a crossroads in their rebuilding. The big question that fans are starting to debate is do they stick or twist with Howe? It seems the UK-based owners remain patient and have a good relationship with Howe, but who knows what the Saudis think back in Riyadh?

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Jose Mourinho is out of work and always delivers a trophy. Julian Nagelsmann, the Germany coach, is available after the Euros. Big clubs are jostling for the big names. Will Newcastle go for a reboot with a bit more star dist and global recognition? Football-wise it may make more sense to keep Howe in charge.

But impact wise, building the brand, getting noticed for sponsors and commercial deals, would an icon like Mourinho or the like not suit their next stage? And he’d shake it up and scare the players who looked like they couldn’t be bothered against Chelsea last Monday.

Jose Mourinho is available after being sacked by Roma (Getty Images)

Robbie Savage