Manager who lost out to Eddie Howe for Newcastle United job is now leading a title chase

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PIF’s biggest decision after completing their Newcastle United takeover was choosing who to appoint as manager.

When PIF took charge of Newcastle United in 2021, Steve Bruce was in charge but a terrible start to the season meant his side sat in the relegation zone.

Bruce knew he had to leave Newcastle and on his way out he recommended Eddie Howe as a potential replacement.

At the time, Howe had just left Bournemouth after eight years in charge of the Cherries. PIF ended up taking Bruce’s advice and Howe has now been Newcastle manager for three years.

In that time, he saved Newcastle from the drop, completed a return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years and reached two cup finals, including the 2025 Carabao Cup final.

Things could have gone very differently if PIF pursued another manager on their radar.

Newcastle United considered Antonio Conte as manager

After it became clear that Bruce was leaving, Newcastle were immediately linked with a wide array of managers, ranging from Champions League winners to up-and-coming young coaches.

As reported by TNT Sports, former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was one of five candidates considered by Newcastle for the job.

The Chronicle reported in 2021 that Conte was interested in the Newcastle job with PIF considering him as their first managerial appointment.

At the time, Conte had recently left Inter Milan after leading the Italian giants to a Serie A title.

Eventually, Newcastle ended up appointing Howe and Conte returned to the Premier League to take charge of Tottenham. He spent just under two years in North London before leaving and returning to Italy.

Antonio Conte now chasing a league title at Napoli

Newcastle fans will be pretty happy with PIF’s choice to appoint Howe given his success on Tyneside over the past three years.

Both managers certainly have different approaches to the game, with Howe preferring a front-footed, high-pressing style of play compared to Conte’s more regimented style which was criticised by Spurs fans.

Interestingly, though, Howe’s record against Conte is not the best. He has won just two of his seven games against the Italian, with the other five meetings ending in defeat.

While Howe is hoping to lift silverware and return to the Champions League with Newcastle this season, Conte is on track to add to his impressive trophy cabinet.

READ MORE: Callum Wilson gives honest view on Antonio Conte leaving Tottenham

That is because his Napoli side currently sits at the top of the Serie A table, two points ahead of his former side Inter.

Napoli do not have the distraction of European football this season, so Conte is targeting another league title this season. It would be his fifth Serie A title and seventh league title having also won the Premier League during his time at Chelsea.