Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger has acknowledged the significant challenge facing Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe as he seeks to build on his impressive work at the club.
Howe, the former Bournemouth manager, achieved another notable milestone when a heavily rotated Newcastle side defeated Manchester United 3-0 in a Carabao Cup match at Old Trafford. This victory comes as Newcastle continues to impress in a season marked by their return to the Champions League and their ambition to secure another European campaign for the following season. The progress made by the team under Howe is quite remarkable when reflecting on the situation at St James’ Park when he took charge in November 2021.
Upon his arrival, Howe inherited a struggling Newcastle United side that had not secured a single win and was languishing in the Premier League relegation zone. Despite these challenging circumstances, Howe led the Magpies to mid-table safety and, during his first season in charge, built on this foundation with a top-four finish and an appearance in a major cup final.
Wenger, who has been impressed by Newcastle’s progress over the past two years, emphasized that for the club to become regular contenders for major honors in the years to come, Howe will need to acquire more top players with the same winning mentality.
Wenger shared his thoughts with BeIN Sports: “He took the challenge to go to Newcastle. It was an interesting challenge for a young manager to go to a club who hasn’t achieved anything for a long time and has huge potential. At the start, it was difficult, but the fact he had his experience at Bournemouth helped him a lot.”
“When the new ownership came in, he did very well and slowly built a team that is balanced, has a passion for the game, and has been consistent in its results. In the last two years, he has done an exceptional job.”
“They’ve just beaten PSG 4-1 in the Champions League, after not playing in the Champions League for a very long time. They are now on the fringe of the top four. The next step for them will be to be consistent in the top four and after to challenge for the Premier League.”
“To do that, he will certainly need more top players with the same mentality. The challenge for him will be to keep that mentality he’s brought, the culture of performance that he’s instilled in the team.”
In addition to discussing Eddie Howe’s challenges, there are reports of Newcastle’s interest in Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio. While the club is linked with the 22-year-old talent, Sporting CP is said to be adamant on their £50 million valuation of the player and not willing to negotiate on the price, despite interest from several clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.