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Eddie Howe says his future at Newcastle will only be determined by what he does, hitting back at claims Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is in line for his job.
Mail Sport understands Howe’s position is secure and the club’s owners see him as the long-term man at St James’ Park.
But that won’t stop other managers and their agents circling and Nagelsmann was touted in the German press this week as a potential summer appointment.
“Really, it doesn’t affect me,” Howe said. ‘I’m here. I am sitting on the chair. My future will be determined by what I do, and no one else.
“It’s up to me to continually prove (myself). I stand behind myself and my abilities. I know my qualities. I know what I bring to this position and I have ambitions for the team and the club. I have no control over what people write and what speculation there is. I try not to get involved.”
Eddie Howe says his future at Newcastle will only be determined by what he does
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been linked with Howe’s possible replacement at Newcastle
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Newcastle have fallen to 10th in the Premier League after a season marred by injuries and Sandro Tonali’s gambling ban. They are in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup but have been handed the toughest possible draw against Manchester City.
Howe says those above him appreciate the challenges he and his squad have faced this season.
“It’s hard for me to speak for them, but I’ve felt support and understatement for the things that have been thrown at us and the things that have happened,” he said. ‘It’s important that I feel that support. “I’m not going to put words in people’s mouths, but they have seen from afar how difficult this season has been.”
Newcastle host Wolves on Saturday after two points from their previous four games at St James’.
Now that time is running out to get the team back to European places, what does a successful season look like?
Newcastle have fallen to tenth in the Premier League after a season marred by injuries
Howe says those above him at Newcastle appreciate the challenges he and his squad have faced this season
“What I want to see is us performing at our best,” Howe said. ‘I want to see a recognisable, consistent Newcastle team, both on and off the ball. It hasn’t been there for a while and that has been a frustration, not just for me, but for everyone. It’s all about the performance and if we get the true identity we are looking for, the results will come.
“But sometimes you just have to find a way to win. We are now in that moment where we are running out of time. We have to start winning consistently and that is what everyone at the club wants. I have no doubt that when we get back to full strength you will hopefully see the real Newcastle again.”
Meanwhile, Howe says the club’s summer transfer plans will not be hampered by the departure of Dan Ashworth.
“I haven’t had that many meetings about the summer yet,” he said. ‘I am sure this pace will increase as we get close to the summer period. Dan’s departure will have no consequences for them.’