Eddie Howe’s future at Newcastle United has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks.
A second-half capitulation in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie against La Liga giants Barcelona was compounded just days later when Sunderland completed a historic league double over Howe’s side at St James Park. A recovery from their midweek last at the Camp Nou looked to be on the cards when Anthony Gordon fired the Magpies in front with just ten minutes on the clock.
The United chief said: Asked about Howe's future, Hopkinson said: "I don't have a stance on his future. What I can tell you is that the derby loss hurt. We take it seriously. There's nothing within us that thinks 'well, it's just three points and on we go'. It has resonated. I spent a couple of hours in a one-on-one lunch recently with Eddie [Howe] and we talked through a multitude of things, including that. Eddie's our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here and we'll talk about the future when it's time. Right now, we're focused on this season's competition.
"I would not frame it that way (Howe’s future being open). We are not looking to make a change at the moment. We are not having those conversations. We are still in the midst of the season. Right now we are focused on the seven matches we have remaining and not distracting ourselves with speculation about what we may or may not do in the summer. Right now, all of us have only got so much bandwidth and we are focused on this season and finishing strongly."
But what are the chances of Howe being the next Premier League manager to leave his current club? In the aftermath of the derby defeat, the Magpies boss was one of the favourites - but he has since been leapfrogged by Liverpool boss Arne Slot in the market after the Reds crashed out of the FA Cup with a heavy defeat at Manchester City.
Next Premier League manager to leave his current club odds
Arne Slot looks on from the Anfield touchlineplaceholder image
Arne Slot looks on from the Anfield touchline | Getty Images
200/1 - Keith Andrews (Brentford) 100/1 - Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) 66/1 - David Moyes (Everton) 50/1 - Regis Le Bris (Sunderland), Unai Emery (Aston Villa), Rob Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nuno Espirito Santo (West Ham United) 33/1 - Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Daniel Farke (Leeds United), Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth) 25/1 - Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton and Hove Albion), Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) 20/1 - Marco Silva (Fulham) 6/1 - Eddie Howe (Newcastle United), Scott Parker (Burnley), Liam Rosenior (Chelsea) 9/4 - Arne Slot (Liverpool) 7/4 - Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
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