Eddie Howe finds himself in one of the most difficult moments of his managerial career at Newcastle United. After a poor run of form that has seen his team slide down the Premier League table, the pressure is mounting on the man who just months ago ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a major trophy.
What was once a story of revival and progress under Howe has suddenly turned into a fight for credibility, and questions are being raised about whether he remains the right man to take the club forward.
The 3-1 defeat against Brentford was another painful blow for Newcastle. Not only did they leave London empty-handed, but they also finished the match with ten men after Dan Burn was sent off, a moment that summed up their growing frustration and lack of composure.
For Howe, this loss was more than just another setback it came at a time when he desperately needed a reaction from his players. Instead, Newcastle looked flat, predictable, and low on belief.
With the international break approaching, it gives the Saudi-backed ownership group, led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), time to reflect and perhaps to consider alternatives.
One name that could attract serious attention is Roberto Mancini. The Italian tactician, who famously led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012, has recently become available after stepping down as Saudi Arabia’s national team coach in October 2024.
Mancini’s pedigree in English football, his experience managing world-class talent, and his proven ability to win could make him an appealing option for Newcastle’s ambitious owners.
Having already worked under the Saudi umbrella, he understands their long-term vision and expectations for success.
Mancini’s track record speaks volumes. Over a career that has spanned decades, he has lifted 26 major trophies, including multiple league titles in Italy with Inter Milan, cup successes in England, and the European Championship with Italy in 2021.
His teams are known for their organization, discipline, and attacking flair qualities Newcastle have been missing lately. The 60-year-old is also renowned for bringing out the best in his players, a skill Newcastle’s current squad could benefit from as confidence continues to dip.
Howe’s position, while not officially under threat yet, has become increasingly fragile. When he guided Newcastle to the Carabao Cup in February and secured Champions League qualification, it felt like the start of a new golden era on Tyneside.
The fans adored him, the players trusted him, and the owners were proud of what he had achieved. But football moves fast, and recent performances have been concerning.
Newcastle have looked out of ideas, struggling for rhythm and consistency, and the excitement that once surrounded Howe’s project has begun to fade.
PIF’s vision for Newcastle is clear they want the club to challenge for trophies regularly and become one of Europe’s elite. If they believe Howe has taken the team as far as he can, a high-profile replacement like Mancini could be seen as the next logical step.
Mancini has already demonstrated he can handle big expectations, intense pressure, and demanding ownership groups. He knows how to build teams capable of winning and would bring with him the tactical maturity and authority that might help Newcastle rediscover their identity.
In fact, Mancini was already considered a “serious contender” for a major coaching role earlier in 2024. According to GIVEMESPORT’s senior correspondent Dean Jones, the Italian was among the frontrunners to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager had the FA decided to move in a new direction.
That didn’t materialize, but the fact that Mancini was seriously discussed for one of football’s top international jobs shows how highly regarded he remains within the sport.
Mancini’s time in England left a lasting impression. During his stint at Manchester City, he was praised for his demanding standards and tactical discipline. Players like Micah Richards have spoken glowingly about their time under him, with Richards once calling him “one of the world’s best coaches.”
His blend of authority and ambition transformed City into a winning team, something Newcastle’s ownership undoubtedly hopes to replicate on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe’s journey at Newcastle is far from over, but it is clear that he faces the biggest challenge of his tenure. The same owners who trusted him to lead a revolution will now expect him to find solutions quickly.
The next few matches after the international break could determine his fate. If results fail to improve, the pressure to act decisively may become impossible to ignore.
For now, Howe remains in charge, but his margin for error has never been slimmer. The whispers around St James’ Park suggest that patience is wearing thin, and with someone of Roberto Mancini’s stature available and familiar with both English football and Saudi leadership, the temptation to make a change could soon grow too strong to resist.
Newcastle’s owners have shown they are not afraid to think big, and if the team continues to falter, the call to bring in Mancini might soon be more than just speculation it could be a serious conversation about the club’s future.
