Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe has reacted to two major manager sackings in the Premier League this past week.
Howe has come under some pressure himself in recent weeks, admitting after a 3-2 defeat at home to Brentford that he wasn’t doing his job ‘well enough’.
But Newcastle bounced back with a 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur, a result that ultimately cost Thomas Frank his job at Spurs after just over half a season in charge.
Shortly after, Sean Dyche was relieved of his duties at Nottingham Forest - who have since appointed Vitor Pereira as their fourth permanent manager of the campaign.
Spurs have appointed Igor Tudor in interim charge until the end of the season.
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Eddie Howe on Premier League double sacking
“It always saddens me when that happens,” Howe said. “You just have sympathy for every manager because you know how difficult the job is, and especially the modern day life of a manager.
“The sways and the speed of opinion changing is quicker, I think, than it's ever been due to various different factors and forces that you have to compete against. I have sympathies for any manager that loses their job.
“For me, I don't think too deeply about it. My immediate focus then goes back to myself and what I can do to help the team that I have, and that's all that I can do every day."
Eddie Howe on NUFC future
With Howe’s future at Newcastle coming under sharper focus in recent weeks, the head coach has spoken candidly about his role.
“The club is always number one,” he said. “From my perspective, 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.
“So 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, you know, am I the right person to take the team and the club forward?”
Howe was also asked if he has any doubts that he is the right person to take the club forward.
“No, there's no doubt in my mind,” he responded. “That's why I'm sat here. If there was, then I wouldn't be, because as I said, the club's the most important thing.
“So 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.”
And when asked if he could resign in the summer amid media speculation, Howe wouldn’t confirm or deny the suggestion.
“That’s a surprise to me,” he said. “I give my best to the football club every single day, to all the players and the staff.
“I try to be the best version of myself to inspire the team to win games. That’s my only thought.
“I don’t tend to look too far ahead but I try to prepare and plan for the club to move forward in every sense. My individual future isn’t really relevant.”
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