Nothing exemplifies the volatile character of modern football more than Eddie Howe’s status at St James’ Park being a source of contention.
Howe may have exited the Champions League and European football in general with Newcastle United’s 2-1 home defeat to AC Milan on Wednesday, but let us not forget that it was he who got Newcastle United there in the first place.
Former England international Collymore, on the other hand, believes it is only a matter of time until some unpleasant questions regarding Howe’s future are raised.
And Jose Mourinho, the manager of Roma, is the guy Newcastle may need to take them to the next level and end their trophy drought.
“Jose Mourinho makes the most sense to take over as Newcastle’s next manager,” Collymore, who famously scored a 92nd-minute winner for Liverpool against The Magpies in 1996, tells Caught Offside.
“Club fans adore Eddie Howe. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.”
Collymore emphasises Mourinho’s long-standing fondness for Newcastle, his relationship with St James’ hero Sir Bobby Robson, and his very public flirtation with Saudi Arabian football, with the Public Investment Fund propelling both Newcastle’s and the Saudi Pro League’s rise to dominance.
“They get a big-named manager for Newcastle who can lure quality players and has had success at the highest level. He spends around two years at Newcastle and then heads off to the Saudi league, a country where he recently said he will work someday,” Collymore adds.
“It turns into a scenario where Mourinho, the Saudis, Newcastle and Mendes all win.
“We are not a million miles away from (Mourinho being linked). Newcastle fans might not want him because of the style of football but if you are the head of PIF, it makes a lot of sense.”
Jose Mourinho admires The Magpies
Newcastle only won one of their six Champions League group-stage games, a 4-1 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain. Howe is also on a three-game losing streak. Newcastle suffered huge defeats away against Tottenham and Everton, slipping seven points below the top four.
“Eddie Howe’s stock is still quite high, considering where he has taken Newcastle from,” said Collymore. “However, if Newcastle do not qualify for the Champions League this season, it would not surprise me if he is fired.”
“The Saudis are coming to win.” They qualified for the Champions League earlier than expected, which is fantastic. You must, however, remain there. And they are unlikely to qualify for the competition through the Premier League this season.”
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