Simon Phillips’ recent SubStack article expands on his previous piece about Chelsea’s quest to secure a replacement coach should Mauricio Pochettino depart at the end of the current season. While Phillips had listed numerous possibilities last week, it appears that one candidate is gaining significant traction. According to Phillips, he has received information from multiple sources indicating that Eddie Howe is emerging as the front-runner to succeed Pochettino.
Howe had been making a positive impression at Newcastle, but the team’s performance has since taken a nosedive, leading to speculation that he might be let go, especially if Newcastle aims to sign a higher-profile manager in the upcoming summer transfer window. Phillips quoted his sources, stating, “If Pochettino is fired or leaves this summer or sooner, Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe will be considered at the absolute least, according to three separate sources who sent me important information last week.”
The fact that Howe’s name has surfaced from multiple sources lends credibility to the speculation. Despite not being a flashy foreign manager known for revolutionizing playstyles, Howe is highly regarded for his coaching prowess and ability to maximize the potential of his players. He embodies the type of decision-making that Chelsea’s ownership favors – a coach who can adapt to the existing squad without causing upheaval.
In contrast to high-profile managers like Diego Simeone, Howe would likely come at a lower cost and with fewer player demands. While some Chelsea fans may be skeptical of this choice, it aligns with the pragmatic approach favored by the club’s leadership. Regardless of fan sentiment, if Pochettino departs and Howe becomes available, Chelsea is likely to consider him as a viable option for the managerial role.
