In the eyes of most Newcastle United fans, Eddie Howe is perfect.
Howe replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle manager back in November 2021, and has taken the Magpies on an incredible journey.
It began with survival, and it has led to a Wembley cup final and Champions League push. All the while he is making players better and getting every last drop out of the tools he has been given.
The likes of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron have improved massively, while Sean Longstaff is back to being the player he once was. The list goes on, and it is largely down to Howe and his coaching ability.
Newcastle struck gold when they appointed the 45-year-old, but he has now admitted that there is a flaw to his game.
Eddie Howe can’t switch off
The Toon boss spoke to NUFC TV during the warm weather training camp in Dubai, and was asked if he has been able to switch off during the international break.
“It’s difficult for me – I can only speak for me,” Howe said.
“Switching off is not something I do that well. There’s always something to do when you’re in my position, whether that is recruitment or staff issues.
“There’s always something to do so I’ve kept myself very busy and very in tune because there’s no rest day really.”
Newcastle manager is relentless
It’s a very Eddie Howe answer, and typical of the man who is at the Toon training ground morning and night. He has thrown himself into the job, and is reaping the rewards.
His level of commitment and attention to detail is paying dividends, and could result in him managing in the Champions League for the first time ever next season. Even if it just Europa or Conference League, it will still be a UEFA debut for Howe.
The former Bournemouth man is pulling every footballing string at Newcastle United. From player development to new signings, he has a say in it all. That is the way it should be, with Howe dovetailing with the relevant staff.
He certainly does that in the transfer market. It was recently claimed that Howe, Dan Ashworth and Steve Nickson are all in agreement that Scott McTominay would be a good addition to the squad for next season.
That might not enthuse supporters, but fans must put their faith in the meticulous man who simply cannot switch off from being Newcastle United manager.