Unfortunately, Newcastle United are regressing a lot under Eddie Howe at the moment.
At one point during his five-year stay at the club, the former AFC Bournemouth boss would have been considered untouchable, with the joy of winning the Champions League twice, and a rare trophy lifted aloft, when he lifted the EFL Cup in 2025.
However, football is a fickle, fickle game, and it appears that Howe is now on loan at the Magpies, with the under-fire manager's future set to be discussed in the summer, after the Tyneside club slipped to 14th in the Premier League at the weekend.
Without a win since March 4, the Newcastle powerhouse could draw up a managerial list, ahead of a summer review, that could replace Howe, with Andoni Iraola certainly tipping any future list.
Latest on Iraola instead of Howe
It was announced earlier this month that the Spaniard will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, having failed to agree a new contract.
This would have hurt the Cherries, as Iraola oversaw an incredible 46 wins in 122 games in charge and counting, during his time on the South Coast.
The South Coast team's loss will end up being someone else's gain, so the 43-year-old is said to be set to take over at Newcastle if Howe leaves, as reported this week.
Having just got the better of the Magpies last time out, with Bournemouth making it eight unbeaten on the road with a 2-1 win, the soon-to-be outgoing manager could be on the right foot, having never finished lower than 12th in the Premier League, with the Cherries.
However, there is a better option than settling for the former manager of Rayo Vallecano, if reports are correct…
Newcastle could hire the improved Iraola instead
Howe's involvement has led to many bulls being suggested to replace the 48-year-old.
Surprisingly, Jose Mourinho – who has won three Premier League titles during his impressive football career – was named as the best player, along with former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.
It was previously reported that Mancini could be discussed if Howe is fired, while the Italian could represent a clear upgrade for Iraola.
The concern with appointing Iraola as Howe's successor is whether Newcastle will be taken to that next level under the Spaniard, and Iraola is yet to win major accolades as a manager.
On top of that, he used to run without a win, in charge of the Cherries, as Howe is currently experiencing, Bournemouth have gone 12 games without a win, this season alone, during the dark winter months of November, December and January.
In stark contrast, Mancini has proven himself to be a serial success as a manager, in a variety of different positions, while current coach Al-Sadd was once described as “one of the best managers in the world” by his former City teammate, Micah Richards, with whom he won the Premier League title.
As well as helping the Citizens to their first Premier League title in 2012, before Pep Guardiola stormed to the Etihad, Mancini also managed to win the Euros in Italy at Wembley in 2021, while the Azzuri have not recovered since leaving the post.
|
Mancini's record as a manager |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Mancini |
|
Games are managed |
519 |
|
Lands held in |
6 |
|
It wins |
286 |
|
Drawings |
134 |
|
Loss |
99 |
|
Medals won |
16 |
In addition, he has also got his hands on three Serie A titles during his decorated career, with a combined 247 wins under his belt, leading in his native Italy at the very top, as well as in England's Premier League.
Iraola has only 102 victories to his name, in charge of La Liga and the Premier League, Newcastle are showing everyone that they are ready to enter a brave new era, if they can appoint Mancini.
Sandro Tonali – linked with departure from St. James' Park – he would certainly be tempted to stay, should the 61-year-old be given the reins in an exciting way, knowing what the Italian has done in his illustrious career.
Until the summer, however, Howe must ensure he gets Newcastle back to winning ways, with a disastrous end to his Magpies managerial career on the cards, for now.
Better than Howe and Iraola: Newcastle could hire “one of the best managers ever”
Eddie Howe's Newcastle project is in danger of ending this season.
