Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger believes Eddie Howe faces a major challenge as he seeks to build on his impressive work at Newcastle United.
The former Bournemouth manager racked up another notable high this week when a heavily rotated Magpies side defeated Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in a Carabao Cup tie.
Howe could be forgiven for reflecting on the situation at St James Park when he took over in November 2021 as his side continues to impress in a season that has marked their return to the Champions League and looks set to continue their push for another European campaign next season.
After taking over a United team that had no wins and was in the Premier League relegation zone, Howe led the Magpies to mid-table safety and then built on that with a top-four finish and a major cup final appearance in his first season in charge.
Wenger has stated that he has been impressed by United’s progress over the last two years, but that Howe will ‘need more top players with the same mentality’ if the club is to become a regular contender for major honours in the coming years.
“He accepted the challenge to go to Newcastle,” he told BeIN Sports.
“It was an interesting challenge for a young manager to go to a club that hasn’t achieved much in a long time but has a lot of potential.” It was difficult at first, but his experience at Bournemouth aided him greatly.
“When the new ownership took over, he did very well and gradually built a team that is balanced, has a passion for the game, and has produced consistent results.” He has done an outstanding job over the last two years.
“They just beat PSG 4-1 in the Champions League after not playing in the competition for a long time.” They are now on the verge of breaking into the top four. The next step for them will be to maintain consistency in the top four and then to compete for the Premier League.
“To do so, he will undoubtedly require more top players with the same mentality.” The challenge for him will be to maintain the mentality he’s brought with him, as well as the performance culture he’s instilled in the team.”
Magpies given warning over interest in Portugal star
Newcastle are one of several clubs interested in Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
Since his first call-up for a Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein in March of this year, the talented center-back has become an integral figure for the Primiera Liga giants, earning four senior caps for Portugal.
Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 22-year-old, though Radio Renascenca reported last month that Newcastle were’refusing to go crazy’ over any potential move for Inacio.
However, a report in the Portuguese news outlet A Bola has revealed that the Magpies are still interested in the defender – but have been warned that Sporting will stick to their £50 million valuation and are ‘not willing to lower even a cent’.
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