At a glance
- Newcastle boss Eddie Howe under pressure
- Up and coming managers are possible replacments
- Coaches with Premier League experience
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is feeling the heat following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Sunderland. The Magpies were leading through an Anthony Gordon goal, but goals from Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Borbbey undid their hard work.
The Tyneside outfit headed into the game following a 7-2 thrashing to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. Howe’s side chances of securing European football ahead of next season are now in jeopardy with the defeat, and many are questioning the English manager’s future.
Some supporters still believe Howe can bring glory to St James’ Park if backed with a rebuild. While others think it’s time to change and look to move in a new direction.
Here are five potential managers who could take to the dugout on Tyneside next season, if the 48-year-old’s results don’t improve.
Sebastian Hoeneß– Stuttgart
Stuttgart have been on a steady climb in the Bundesliga over the last few seasons, largely due to the work of Sebastian Hoeneß. The 43-year-old began his managerial career in Germany, where he coached RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich at various youth levels.
Hoeneß’s first senior role came at Hoffenheim in the summer of 2020, where he spent two years before moving to southwestern Germany. He was appointed towards the end of the 2022/23 season, as they finished 16th.
The following year, they finished second, and in 2024/25, they won the DFB-Pokal, their first trophy since 2007. He teaches an attacking philosophy to his team, which has seen them finish with the third-most goals in the Bundesliga and third in the table.
Newcastle supporters loved the attacking football at the height of Howe’s reign, and the introduction of the German manager could bring those exciting times back. Although many clubs, including Leipzig (per Florian Plettenberg), are keeping an eye on the German tactician ahead of the summer.
Marco Silva – Fulham
The Portuguese boss has helped Fulham become an established Premier League club since their promotion in 2022-23, and they have never really faced a relegation battle. The experienced 48-year-old has had stints at four clubs in England and has developed as a coach.
The Cottagers haven’t spent too big since their time back in the top-flight. Thus, Marco Silva’s job has been to develop youth and get the best out of older, ageing players, which he has done very well.
Fulham are currently in ninth, three places above the St James’ Park outfit, and a good run of results could see them qualify for Europe. His familiarity with English football and experience working with a smaller budget may make Silva an attractive option.
Newcastle might need to move quickly with the west Londoners eager to keep Silva. David Ornstein of The Athletic reported back in October that he was informed by his club’s board that they intend to renew his contract, which contains a £15m release clause.
Roberto De Zerbi – Available
Whether it’s in the Premier League or across Europe, Roberto De Zerbi has shown his managerial qualities time and time again. Graham Potter was in charge of Brighton & Hove Albion before the Italian replaced him, and many questioned whether he could replicate the Englishman’s success.
De Zerbi improved them even more, taking them to the Europa League and an FA Cup semi-final. He struggled in the second season, largely due to many players leaving and joining in the summer.
In France, he oversaw a second-place finish with Marseille in his debut season, after the Ligue 1 outfit finished eighth in the previous campaign. He left Les Phocéens earlier this year and is reportedly set to wait until the summer to decide on his next job, per Ben Jacobs.
Notorious for his quick-countering attacking style, where he plays the ball out from the back, the Italian may look to return to the Premier League. The Magpies could be the perfect club.
Francesco Farioli – Porto
The 36-year-old hasn’t been in the game for as long as some of the other coaches mentioned, but in his short managerial career, he has become a recognisable figure. The Italian manager began his career in Turkey, then had one-season stints at Nice and Ajax before joining Portuguese club FC Porto last summer.
Porto finished nine points behind Sporting CP in the 2024-25 season, as they went on to lift the league title. So far this season, they have lost only one league game and find themselves ahead of Sporting and Benfica at the top of the table.
Francesco Farioli claims he’s been influenced by De Zerbi but with his own touches. Whether it’s attacking or defending, his team can do it all, something the Newcastle supporters would appreciate.
Thomas Frank – Available
While the Danish manager didn’t enjoy a successful spell at Spurs, he has showcased his ability to develop players and make his teams a tough opponent. Thomas Frank served as an assistant at Brentford in 2016 and became the club’s manager in 2018. With improvements each season, they finally achieved promotion to the Premier League three years into his reign.
Frank’s player development proved crucial during his time at the club. Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa all became incredible attacking talents under the 52-year-old.
He may have a bit of a black spot against his name due to his time at Tottenham. Although it seems no manager could have succeeded with the current climate at the Lilywhites.
If the structure is right at the club, Frank is a man who can offer results. His 3-4-3 formation might not seem suitable with the current set of players, but he may be the man to take them to the next level.
