Newcastle
Eddie Howe insists he is ‘Not affected’ by Julian Nagelsmann interest
Eddie Howe says his Newcastle future will only be determined by what he does, hitting back at claims Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is being lined up for his job.
Mail Sport understands Howe’s position is secure and that the club’s owners see him as the man for the long-term at St James’ Park.
But that will not stop other managers and their agents circling and Nagelsmann was this week touted as a potential summer appointment in the German press.
‘Genuinely, it doesn’t affect me,’ said Howe. ‘I’m here. I’m sat in the seat. My future will be defined by what I do, no one else.
‘It’s up to me to continually prove (myself). I back myself and my ability. I know my qualities. I know what I bring to the job and I have ambitions for the team and the club. I can’t control what people write and what speculation there is. I don’t try to get involved in it.’
Newcastle have fallen to 10th in the Premier League amid a season disrupted by injuries and Sandro Tonali’s gambling ban. They are in the quarter-final of the FA Cup but have been handed the toughest possible draw away at Manchester City.
Howe says those above him appreciate the challenges he and his squad have faced this season.
’It is difficult for me to speak for them, but I have felt a support and an understating for things that have been thrown at us and things that have happened,’ he said. ‘It is important I feel that support. I am not going to put words in people’s mouths, but they have seen from afar how difficult this season has been.’
Newcastle host Wolves on Saturday on the back of two points from the previous four matches at St James’.
What does a successful season now look like, with time running out to return the team to the European places?
‘What I want to see is us performing at our best,’ said Howe. ‘I want to see a recognisable, consistent Newcastle team on and off the ball. It hasn’t been there for a while and that has been a frustration, not just for me but for everybody. It’s all about the performances and if we get the true identity we are looking for, the results will come.
‘But sometimes you’ve just got to find a way to win. We’re in that moment now where we’re running out of time. We have to start winning consistently and that’s what everyone at the club wants. I have no doubt, once we’re back to full strength, hopefully you’ll see the real Newcastle again.’
Meanwhile, Howe says the club’s summer transfer plans will not be hindered by Dan Ashworth’s exit.
‘I haven’t had too many meetings regarding the summer as yet,’ he said. ‘I’m sure that will gather pace now we’re moving close to the summer window. They’ll be unaffected by Dan’s exit.’
