Eddie Howe admits his job as Newcastle United boss has become an obsession while admitting this has been his hardest season
Unless Newcastle United manage to end the season with an FA Cup or even a Champions League trophy, this campaign is likely to be one that won't live long in the memory for many fans.
Before this season had even started, things were starting to unravel with the behaviour of Alexander Isak over the summer, along with the resignation of sporting director Paul Mitchell, whose tenure in the role lasted less than a year and ended in the middle of a transfer window.
That massively impacted Newcastle's transfer business, and Eddie Howe had to wait until late in the window to get players through the door. That limited time with his new players has haunted the team all season as performances have been well below what we've come to expect.
Fortunately, Newcastle have been strong in cup competitions and are starting to find form in the Premier League at the right time, although a bid to regain Champions League football is looking increasingly unlikely.
Eddie Howe admits this has been his hardest season in charge of Newcastle
Speaking to Prime Video (h/t The Chronicle) ahead of tonight's Champions League clash, Eddie Howe has admitted that this has been his hardest season as Newcastle boss.
“It probably has (been his hardest season). I paused there as it’s very easy to look back with rose-tinted glasses and always have a positive view on history, and then not realise that times have been hard.
"Taking everything into account, and everything that happened last summer and all the challenges we have faced this season, it probably has yes, but it can still have a great end and we’re trying to be very positive and look to what we can achieve, the Champions League now being number one for our season."
Eddie Howe is obsessed with turning Newcastle United into a successful club
While there have been some bumps along the way, Howe still has the backing of the majority of Newcastle supporters, and he revealed how bringing success to the club has become an obsession that grew out of a passion.
“I think it started as a passion, but it’s turned into an obsession. Passion definitely for the game and the love of the execution, but it develops a love for the detail and the way that you play, and the way in which you can make the team better, and that’s where the obsession then takes over.
"I think improving the individual has always been at the heart of my coaching philosophy, as this helps the team come together and play better again."
It's this obsession that leads us to believe that Howe is still the right man for the job.
