Eddie Howe has earned quite the reputation in the Premier League for his commitment to knowing anything and everything there is to know about not only his opponents, but his own players.
Even in a league boasting methodical managers like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Howe’s dedication to improving his own coaching and managerial abilities is almost second to none.
And of course the gaffer’s been able to reap the rewards with our squad, qualifying for the Champions League twice since his appointment back in 2021, and of course being the man to finally win us major domestic silverware with the Carabao Cup final triumph in March.
In a new interview with Sky Sports, Howe has spoke openly about his craft and approach to coaching, proving an in-depth look at just what he does to get the most out of our players, and all the other roles and responsibilities he takes on in order to succeed as a manager.
Howe’s expert insight on life as Premier League manager
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Speaking on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel as part of their ‘Unpacked’ series, Howe was asked a list of questions designed to give us a greater glimpse at what makes him such an effective manager.
From the start, Howe immediately highlights on how much data, tactics and analysis take up so much of his time.
When asked “What’s in your office?” Howe jokingly responds “Jason (laughs), Jason Tindall for a start. Quite a lot of tactics boards, a desk, computers galore. A lot of tools for analysis and making sure we’re organised throughout the day.”
The boss divulges a bit more about his analytical measures, including how he watches back training sessions and the process of reviewing hours of footages of his opponents.
On why he watches back training sessions, Howe responds “We’re looking for, of course, how the players performed and any trends or themes that we feel we need to show them, but we’re also reviewing our (he and his coaches) session, how we can improve that delivery, subject, topic, whatever it is.”
“I think that is a really healthy process for you to continue to improve yourself as well as your players.”
“I like to watch the footage (of opponents) myself. I can’t give you a sort of number of how many games I watch, but it could be anything from sort of three to five games.”
“But a team that you’re not so well-versed on would be more because you don’t want to miss anything.”
“It can be all too-consuming if you’re not careful, because you’re working all day then you’re carrying on into the night.”
Eddie Howe: Perfect man manager?
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Of course, it isn’t all tactics and analysis for Howe, as there’s all the other obligations he has as a Premier League manager to deal with.
But in everything Howe does, it becomes clear that he wants to create the most calm, positive environment at the club for he and his players to thrive. And by all accounts, he’s succeeding in doing so.
“I think as a manager, you’re just trying to make sure the players are in their best frame of mind and the best physical condition to perform. So that means thinking about how they’re feeling, thinking about their lives, trying to really be an active participant in helping them in every way possible.”
“So we’ve got a huge team of people that really help the players in all different areas, but it’s my job to try and link all that together and give a common focus and a common goal.”
Not afraid to shy away from criticism
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In instilling that positive atmosphere at the club, Howe has often leapt to the defence of his players at every possible opportunity, as he feels that as the main decision maker in terms of the squad, it’s his burden to bear if and when something does go wrong.
“There has to be a decision maker that gives the final decision and final call on everything, whether that’s training, team selection, transfers, there always has to be someone taking full responsibility for the decision.”
“And I think that’s the manager’s job, and I never shied away from that. You quickly know early on in management that you’re there to be shot at to a degree, you have to relish that responsibility and take it on full steam.”