PIF are now considering a shock move to hire Jose Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid, as the pressure continues to heat up on Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
Howe confirms "challenging" conversations with PIF
The Magpies are suffering the worst season they've had in Howe's reign. The former Bournemouth boss has gone from a Champions League manager to someone who has not been able to guide his side into the Premier League's top half. It has been an almighty fall from grace.
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Questions can be asked about Newcastle's recruitment. After all, they spent over £150m on three attackers, who have combined for just 17 goals in all competitions this season. But even that's not enough for many to justify recent form and there's no denying that Howe's job is at threat. The manager, himself, confirmed that a meeting with PIF has taken place and "challenging conversations" have been held with the owners.
“I presented and we discussed. There were challenging conversations and questions, but that’s all part of those meetings. This year of course there were more difficult questions due to our league position, there’s no getting away from that. But the process behind it was exactly the same as it has been every year."
The rumours certainly aren't helping the narrative, either. Names like Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso have threatened to steal the headlines, although the Magpies are facing competition for both. The same can be said for Mourinho, who could yet complete a shock return to the Premier League, courtesy of those at St James' Park.
Newcastle considering shock Mourinho hijack
According to reports in Portugal, and relayed by Sport Witness, PIF are now considering a hijack to hire Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid. Fabrizio Romano claimed earlier this week that the Premier League icon remains keen on a return to the Spanish club, but Newcastle could yet swoop in ahead.
The self-proclaimed "Special One" needs little introduction to English football. He is known as a serial winner around these parts, having won three Premier League titles as well as two Champions Leagues in an illustrious career. Even Anthony Gordon couldn't help but praise Mourinho earlier this season, saying: "He said: 'You're too much', which is a big compliment for me because as a kid, he was my favourite manager in the world.
"It's quite weird because he was quite a defensive manager, but I just love the way, even then, the bench was getting up [to celebrate]. He really creates a team environment - it's like us against the world. I recognise that from my own game, so it was a big compliment."
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