Eddie Howe’s long-term future as Newcastle United manager has been questioned, despite his opportunity to end the club’s domestic trophy drought in the Carabao Cup final. Newcastle, set to face Liverpool in their second League Cup final appearance in three years, are seeking their first major English trophy since their FA Cup victory in 1955.
While Howe has been widely credited for Newcastle’s transformation since his appointment in November 2021, leading them to Champions League qualification and solidifying their status as a competitive Premier League side, doubts remain over whether he is the long-term choice for the club’s Saudi-backed ownership.
A prominent football pundit has suggested that Howe is merely serving as a “gatekeeper” rather than a permanent figure at the helm. According to him, Newcastle’s owners, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have ambitions far beyond domestic cup success. They are aiming to win the Premier League and Champions League, making it unlikely that Howe will be the one to lead them to such heights.
The commentator noted that past Newcastle managers, such as Alan Pardew, had taken offense at similar observations, failing to grasp the bigger picture. He argued that while supporters would celebrate a League Cup victory, financial constraints on the club could limit Howe’s ability to build a title-winning squad. He predicted that within the next 18 months, Howe could find himself out of the job, possibly being considered for a future role with the English national team.
Despite the skepticism surrounding his long-term role, Howe remains focused on securing silverware for Newcastle. He previously acknowledged the club’s long wait for a trophy and expressed determination to prepare thoroughly for the final. This game presents a crucial opportunity for him to solidify his legacy at the club by delivering a major triumph at Wembley.