Chelsea have taken an unexpected approach to Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe to approach them as their new manager. Manager Enzo Maresca was sacked by the Stamford Bridge side on New Year’s Day after 18 months in charge, with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior emerging as the main candidate to replace him.
But behind the scenes, the Blues are trying to approach Howe, who became Newcastle’s hero after winning the Carabao Cup last season and breaking a 70-year domestic title drought. The former Bournemouth manager, known for his calming influence, is highly regarded in the boardroom at Stamford Bridge and is seen as Maresca’s ideal successor.
Howe led Newcastle from the bottom of the Premier League to qualification for the Champions League and is being considered as a future England manager. Despite previous complaints about an unproductive transfer window at St James’ Park, they are expected to receive help this month.
However, Chelsea could expect more spending freedom. Chelsea will likely offer Howe a significant pay rise, but given his loyalty to the team’s project, it would be surprising if he were to leave the Magpies midway through the season.
News of talks between Chelsea and Howe’s agent will no doubt cause concern within the Toon Army hierarchy. The Toon Army are enthusiastic supporters of their manager despite their struggles this season.
Howe admitted last month that he may not be in Newcastle’s popular seats when they eventually announce either a new stadium or a new training ground. Howe, who has at least three years left on his contract, said, “That (messaging) is important, but there are other things that are important. It has to be right.”
“It takes extra time to make the right decisions and I haven’t finished the day-to-day decision-making process, so if the stadium project is right and the right thing for Newcastle no matter how many years the club is going to be around, take the extra time.”
“It’s the same with the training ground. We need the right site and design. It’s better to get it right than to do it too quickly. I know there’s a 99.9 per cent chance we won’t see either in my position, but I’m still passionate about making sure it’s there for future generations at Newcastle, whether supporters or players.”
