Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has insisted he would step aside and let somebody else manage the team if he did not feel he was the right man for the job.
Howe’s team head to Tottenham on Tuesday evening sitting in 12th place in the Premier League table and without a win in five games in all competitions, culminating in Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat by Brentford.
Newcastle players were booed from the pitch after Dango Ouattara’s late strike secured victory for Brentford and prompted various call for Howe’s dismissal.
However, asked if he had any doubts over his continued presence on Tyneside, the 48-year-old said: “No, there’s no doubt in my mind, and that’s why I’m sat here. If there was, then I wouldn’t be because, as I said, the club is the most important thing.
“I’d never put myself before the club. If I didn’t think I was the correct man to take the team forward and I could give the players what they need, then I would step aside and let someone else do it.”
Eddie Howe reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The Magpies’ defence of the League Cup ended in tame fashion at the semi-final stage at Manchester City last week and although they remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League, their hopes of securing European football next season have been placed in severe jeopardy by a poor run of form.
Howe accepted full responsibility for Saturday’s disappointment against Brentford. However, he believes he’s the right man to lead the team.
He said: “I’ve got to think that I am the right person for the job and I’m giving value and I’m helping the players and I’m the right person to get results, ultimately.
“As long as I feel that in my heart and in my spirit, then my desire and my motivation levels are as high as they’ve ever been.
“But I think that’s the key question I always have to ask myself: am I the right person to take the team and the club forward?”
Newcastle are still rocked with injury problem. Forward Anthony Gordon has an hamstring problem, and Lewis Miley is nursing a knee injury.
Brazilian midfielder Joelinton is still out with a groin issue and it’s left to see how Howe will setup his side on Tuesday evening.
