According to sources, Newcastle United have picked Premier League winner Roberto Mancini as their ‘plan B’ with Eddie Howe under intense pressure.
Newcastle has had a rough season, and they risk losing the FA Cup to Manchester City this Saturday.
Will Newcastle replace Howe?
Howe was a candidate for the Premier League manager of the season award after his team finished fourth last season, but he has faced criticism this season.
Newcastle were knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup before their time. They are also eighth in the Premier League after a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night.
Howe has dealt with a big injury crisis this season, but he remains one of the favourites to be the next Premier League manager terminated.
Earlier this week, GiveMeSport reported that Howe’s ‘future is in doubt’, with Roberto De Zerbi and Julen Lopetegui listed as possible successors.
According to HITC, former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has surfaced as a ‘plan B’ for Newcastle and is a ‘option’ if the club decides to cut ways with Howe.
PIF is believed to be ‘hugely concerned’ about Newcastle’s performance, therefore Howe is ‘not assured to remain in command’ beyond the end of the season.
PIF’s ultimate goal
According to the source, Mancini would ‘check a lot of boxes’ for PIF and their ‘ultimate ambition’.
‘No decision has been made as of yet, but sources familiar with the matter tell HITC that work has begun to investigate potential replacements.
‘HITC can confirm that PIF does not see conducting due diligence on potential replacements as a clear indication that Howe will be replaced, but rather that they are gathering choices that they may act on in the future, if necessary.
‘HITC, however, can reveal that one of the names in the running is Mancini, who already has significant ties to PIF, as it is claimed they helped clinch his hiring as Saudi Arabia manager last year.
‘Roberto Mancini meets many of the criteria for the type of manager that PIF is seeking for. Someone with a significant resume, including league titles. Mancini also has the added bonus of having won the Premier League.
Mancini was a part of Manchester City’s revolution when he took over for Mark Hughes in 2009, and he led them to one of the most spectacular title wins in history in 2012. Mancini is credited with being the catalyst for City as we know them today, and was instrumental in their breaking through and winning their first Premier League title, which is PIF’s ultimate goal at Newcastle.
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