Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is under pressure, but he's still convinced he's the right man for the job. If he didn't think so, he'd walk away, says the 48-year-old boss. Howe has been struggling to keep his team out of trouble with a series of defeats that have seen Newcastle slip down the Premier League table.
The key question Howe asks himself is whether he still believes he can lead the club forward. He admits there are doubts about his players' ability to cope with their fixture schedule, which includes Champions League games. The team's poor ball retention has been a particular concern, with some observers describing recent games as "chaotic".
Howe acknowledges that his high-intensity style of play may not be working for everyone. While it's served him well in the past, he's aware that Newcastle need to improve their control and possession game. He also knows that history is on his side when it comes to winning transitional games, but those haven't been forthcoming recently.
The manager has a reputation for being obsessed with statistics and data, but Howe claims this isn't a problem - he just wants to give the players what they need to succeed. However, some have wondered whether his focus on numbers is coming at the expense of the bigger picture.
Howe's biggest challenge now is finding a solution to Newcastle's struggles in front of goal. The club has been splashing cash on big-name signings, but so far, none have clicked. Howe has been reluctant to change formations or tactics, but there may be a case for altering his 4-3-3 to a more fluid 4-2-3-1.
For now, though, Howe remains confident that he can turn things around. He's focused on giving value and helping the players improve their performances. If he feels that way, then his motivation levels are as high as ever. However, with a tough run of games coming up, including a trip to Manchester City, it's unclear whether this confidence will hold out.
The key question Howe asks himself is whether he still believes he can lead the club forward. He admits there are doubts about his players' ability to cope with their fixture schedule, which includes Champions League games. The team's poor ball retention has been a particular concern, with some observers describing recent games as "chaotic".
Howe acknowledges that his high-intensity style of play may not be working for everyone. While it's served him well in the past, he's aware that Newcastle need to improve their control and possession game. He also knows that history is on his side when it comes to winning transitional games, but those haven't been forthcoming recently.
The manager has a reputation for being obsessed with statistics and data, but Howe claims this isn't a problem - he just wants to give the players what they need to succeed. However, some have wondered whether his focus on numbers is coming at the expense of the bigger picture.
Howe's biggest challenge now is finding a solution to Newcastle's struggles in front of goal. The club has been splashing cash on big-name signings, but so far, none have clicked. Howe has been reluctant to change formations or tactics, but there may be a case for altering his 4-3-3 to a more fluid 4-2-3-1.
For now, though, Howe remains confident that he can turn things around. He's focused on giving value and helping the players improve their performances. If he feels that way, then his motivation levels are as high as ever. However, with a tough run of games coming up, including a trip to Manchester City, it's unclear whether this confidence will hold out.