Eddie Howe: The Resilient Legend of Newcastle United
In the midst of mounting pressure over Newcastle United's troubling form, former Magpies star Tim Krul defends under-fire manager Eddie Howe as a club legend. Despite the team's struggles in the Premier League, Howe's leadership and vision have brought considerable success in European competition and changed the club's expectations. Read on for insights into the current challenges and unwavering support for Howe.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has jumped to the defence of under-fire manager Eddie Howe, who he considers to be a club legend. The English coach is under immense pressure after the Magpies' poor start to the 2025-26 campaign, as they have won just three out of their first 11 Premier League matches and sit just two points above the relegation zone.Former Newcastle goalkeeper Krul, who spent 11 years with the senior team at St. James' Park, has addressed the Magpies' disastrous form in the Premier League this season. Howe's side, who lost their latest league encounter 3-1 against Brentford, are struggling in the bottom half of the league table. Krul has admitted that the poor form needs to be fixed as soon as possible, but he fully trusts Howe to fix the situation.The manager himself was critical of his players after the loss against West Ham earlier this month and questioned their mentality: "The dynamism wasn't there. The physicality and the energy were missing. We scored early and could have grabbed hold of the game but we didn’t and let it slip away. It didn't look like a Newcastle team that we've seen in recent seasons. The body language, the collective spirit on the pitch, loads of little things weren’t there. It was a by-product of us just not being where we needed to be mentally."Speaking about the Magpies' poor run, Krul told Sky Sports: "There are a couple of points off the relegation zone, so does this feel like maybe a mini crisis for the club? Yeah, of course, but I think the people in charge know the task at hand for this season. Like I mentioned, they're in the quarter-finals in the Carabao Cup, they're in the top half in the Champions League. "Yes, in the Premier League they need to kick into gear and I think the wingers, the midfielders, they have to start chipping in their goals. Injuries, they are massive obviously, suspensions, I think the liveramento, Lewis Hall, have been really, really a big miss for this team. There's not been that attacking threat from the full-backs coming up, so there's reasons why there's been some kind of issues at the club at the moment but Eddie will be the first one to admit that domestic form has to improve."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Further extending his support for the English coach, Krul added: "I'm a big fan of Eddie and I think he single-handedly changed the club and the people's expectations in that city. I mean, he's going to go down as one of those legend managers this club has ever had. Yes, of course, I think there could be some criticism, it's not good enough to not win an away game since April, but ultimately I think if you asked any fan a couple of years ago to have a trophy and to challenge the Champions League and to fire on all cylinders in the top competitions out there, I think they would have signed for that."While Newcastle have struggled in domestic football, their form in the Champions League has been impressive. The Magpies are sitting sixth in the league stage table with nine points, having followed up a narrow defeat to Barcelona with wins against Union-Saint Gilloise, Benfica and Athletic Club. With their latest 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, the English side have moved ahead of 15-time winners Real Madrid and reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.Howe will prepare his players for a huge home game against second-placed Manchester City in their next league fixture after the international break on November 22, which comes three days before their next Champions League outing at Marseille.
The Unwavering Support of Tim Krul
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has unequivocally backed Eddie Howe amidst the storm of criticism surrounding the manager. With the Magpies languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table after just three wins in 11 matches, Krul's endorsement of Howe's capabilities as a legendary figure within the club speaks volumes.
Maintaining Belief Amidst Adversity
Despite the recent poor form in the league, which included a disappointing 3-1 loss to Brentford, Howe has remained steadfast in his approach. Critiquing the team's performance and mentality, Howe highlighted the need for a mental and physical resurgence to elevate Newcastle's play. His expectations for improvement underscore his commitment to steering the team in the right direction.
Navigating a Period of Transition
Krul acknowledges the challenges facing Newcastle, particularly in the Premier League where they find themselves precariously close to the relegation zone. While injuries and suspensions have hindered the team's momentum, there are positive signs in other competitions such as the Carabao Cup and Champions League. The need for collective contributions from all players, including wingers and midfielders, remains paramount for Newcastle's resurgence.
Strides in European Competition
Despite domestic struggles, Newcastle has showcased promising performances in the Champions League. Sitting sixth in the league stage table with notable wins against top European clubs, including a recent impressive victory over Athletic Club, Howe's tactical acumen and the team's resilience have garnered praise. The contrast in form between domestic and European competitions underscores the potential within the squad.
Anticipating Key Fixtures
As Newcastle gear up to face Manchester City after the international break and prepare for their upcoming Champions League clash against Marseille, Howe faces crucial tests of character and strategy. With the support of loyal fans and former players like Krul, the manager's legacy at Newcastle continues to evolve, paving the way for a potential revival in domestic competition.
