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Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, will approach the upcoming FA Cup match against local rivals Sunderland with confidence, stating that he does not require constant reassurances from the club’s wealthy owners.
Newcastle United will take to the field at the Stadium of Light for their third-round match, having suffered defeat in seven out of their last eight games, including their last four in all competitions.
There has been speculation about Howe’s future as head coach under a Saudi-backed regime that has invested approximately £400 million in new players since assuming control in October 2021. It is unclear if his position is secure.
Sources on Tyneside have dismissed talk of pressure on the 46-year-old in the wake of a difficult run, although defeat by the Black Cats is unthinkable if a season which has already brought Champions league and Carabao Cup disappointment is not to deteriorate further.
When asked about the rumors, Howe responded, “I don’t need constant reassurance. I am confident that we are putting in maximum effort to enhance our performances and achieve better outcomes.”
“Clearly, I am aware that success is crucial in this industry – I am stating the usual things you would expect from me – but I genuinely feel the club’s support, which is incredibly significant at this time.”
Since the last meeting of the Magpies and the Black Cats almost eight years ago, their fortunes have diverged significantly. Amanda Stavely’s £305 million takeover, which took place during a time when Sunderland was recovering from consecutive relegations and a four-year stint in League One, has brought renewed hope to Tyneside.
The team from Wearside had won six games in a row against their local rivals, but in their last match they only managed a 1-1 draw. The new coach, Michael Beale, recently stated that in terms of size, reputation, and history, there is not much that sets them apart except for money.
Howe, whose last visit to Sunderland in April 2017 saw his Bournemouth side relegate David Moyes’ men, said: “I’m not going to get into a war of words with any manager, I just don’t think it’s wise to make those comparisons or comments.
I am aware of our identity and purpose. Through my experience as manager, I have gained a greater understanding of the scale of this football club. Our future looks promising, regardless of any immediate events.
Howe, who identified Sunderland wide men Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts – the latter is an injury doubt this weekend – as significant threats, is desperate to end a grim run of results which has seen his side win only once since a 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United on December 2, and admits achieving that at the Stadium of Light could rekindle his side’s campaign.
He stated that it has the ability to restart and alter our external and internal perception of ourselves in a rapid manner.
I have mentioned it numerous times – the Manchester United match, which was our top performance of the season, was not too far in the past but our perspective on the team has significantly changed since then.
Players’ confidence is delicate, so we are focused on finding ways to help them regain their best rhythm as soon as possible.
The source is the independent.co.uk website.
