Mancini eyed as Howe replacement at Newcastle

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 14 Mar 2024 13:52 GMT
• 3 min read

Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is being considered as a potential replacement for Eddie Howe at Newcastle, should the club opt for a managerial change this summer.

HITC reports that the club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, are deeply troubled by the team's performance this season, even with the amount of injuries that have persisted. And now there are doubts about Howe's future as manager. While no definitive decision has been made yet, the report indicates that preliminary work has begun to explore potential replacements.

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Among the candidates being considered is Roberto Mancini, who already shares a connection with the Saudi ownership, having been appointed as the boss of the Saudi Arabia national team last year.

The Italian boasts an impressive managerial track record, particularly in terms of league titles, making him an attractive prospect for the Newcastle owners. His tenure at Man City saw him play a pivotal role in their transformation, culminating in a historic Premier League victory in 2012.

Despite Howe being given assurances by certain members of the club hierarchy, the ultimate decision lies with the Public Investment Fund. Howe's performance for the remainder of the season will be under scrutiny, as Newcastle's unexpected struggles this season have prompted concerns within the ownership group.

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The club's failure to maintain a competitive position in the league, particularly the absence from European competitions following their Champions League group stage exit, has intensified the need for change. Newcastle's pursuit of success includes a desire for silverware, with the FA Cup offering a potential avenue for glory this season.

In addition to the managerial situation, Newcastle is undergoing a broader restructuring process, including the search for a new sporting director following Dan Ashworth's anticipated move to Manchester United. Candidates such as Steve Nickson and external options like Phil Giles, Tiago Pinto, and Rui Pedro Braz are being considered for various roles within the club as part of this evaluation process.