- Newcastle United linked with Roberto Mancini as Eddie Howe replacement
- Italian confirms proposals from other teams
- Mancini managed in the Premier League with Man City over 15 years ago
Italian manager Roberto Mancini has been viewed as a possible candidate to replace Eddie Howe if the hierarchy no longer believe he is the man to lead the club. However, the Italian national team are also admirers of the ex Manchester City man.
Mancini helped Gli Azzurri lift the European Championship against England in 2021, during his five years as the national team manager, before moving to Saudi Arabia.
Tribuna has reported on new comments, with Mancini addressing his future. The manager refused to give away too many details of what could be in store for him.
He said: “I receive phone calls with different proposals. But right now I am not going to discuss rumours about the Italy national team.”
Roberto Mancini on search for new role
It seems like the 61-year-old’s time will be coming to an end once the season concludes, with plenty of teams in Europe looking for a new manager.
The Italian has Premier League experience, having managed Manchester City in the early 2010s, where he won a league title. Just as Howe has done on Tyneside, he was able to settle the club at the beginning of their project under new owners.
The manager has previously stated that he wouldn’t be against a return to England, as it’s something everyone aspires to reach one day.
He said: “Every league is special. I really enjoyed the Premier League and the years I spent in the UK. Every coach dreams of coaching in the Premier League.”
The Italian national team has failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third time in a row, leaving the country in disbelief. They need a figure to rejuvenate a country that is failing in an embarrassing manner, and with his track record, it would make sense to return.
Their current manager is caretaker boss Silvio Baldini, who replaced Gennaro Gattuso following their defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina. As the summer rolls around, they will want a new figurehead in control as they look ahead to the Euros in the UK and Ireland.
Could Mancini take over from Eddie Howe?
There is no doubt about Mancini’s ability as a coach, having won several league titles as a manager, but it raises the question of whether he would suit the role.
His last club managerial role in Europe was almost a decade ago, when he was in charge of Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg. His last period at a big club was at Inter Milan, and the Serie A giants failed to offer any title threat under his tenure, only qualifying for the Champions League once.
Mancini falls into the same category as Jose Mourinho. A beloved character for what they have achieved, but they do not meet the standards to be an elite coach in modern day football.
Howe is on the brink, and signs suggest he might not see next season at St James’ Park, but replacing him with Mancini would be a strange decision by the Newcastle board, as they need someone who can not only take over the reins but take them forward.
In other news, Newcastle United ‘in talks’ with UEFA as summer transfer blow looms.
