THREE MANAGERS WHO CAN MAKE NEWCASTLE UNITED GREAT AGAIN
AFTER many years under-achieving, Newcastle United finally look like they could be sold.
Fans will be relieved that the club could finally be set to part ways with Mike Ashley, who has mismanaged it and seen it being relegated twice from the Premier League since taking over in 2007.
With their support base and structure, Newcastle should be a club that always finishes strongly in the top half of the standings.
Current Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has done a decent job since taking over at the end of last season.
However, with respect to the Manchester United legend, his greatest achievement in more than 20 years of management has been guiding Hull City to the runner-up position in the 2013/14 FA Cup where the Tigers lost to Arsenal in the final.
Bruce should be given time to prove himself because he has done well, but the following are candidates whom the Magpies can consider if they feel they need someone different to help them progress.
1. Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino is a proven manager who can build clubs. During a five-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur, he transformed the Lilywhites from being a team which regularly qualified for the Europa League to one which regularly finished in the top four. During his time with Spurs, Pochettino became one of the world’s most respected managers and many still believe his sacking by the North Londoners late in 2019 was rather harsh.
There is virtually no Premier League fan who is not an admirer of Pochettino.
2. Rafa Benitez
Benitez is a proven Premier League manager and also previously attracted praise for the way in which he managed Newcastle United between 2016-2019. After the Magpies were relegated from the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, the Spaniard led them to promotion the next season, which is no easy task. He also kept them in the league until his departure at the end of the 2018/19 season which was particularly impressive as he had to work with limited resources.
Benitez’s stint with Newcastle was a win-win for both parties. It helped him to win back the respect of many football fans after less than successful stints with Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Napoli.
Before Benitez left Newcastle, he asked for a long-term contract and backing in the transfer market and did not get either If Newcastle’s new owners are able to offer him both, he may be convinced to return.
3. Unai Emery
Emery will feel he has unfinished business after he was sacked by Arsenal earlier this season.
While Emery’s stint as manager of the Gunners did not end well, he was a success at almost every other club he managed. He famously led Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League titles and also led PSG to the Ligue 1 title. For all the criticism he attracted, Emery also led Arsenal to the final of the Europa League last season.