Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Michail Antonio has delivered something of a warning to Eddie Howe about his future at Newcastle.
Howe has done a tremendous job with the Magpies thus far, and since the turn of the year, they’ve been the second-best team in England.
However, according to Antonio, this good form could eventually lead to Howe’s downfall as he believes that fans and the owners may head into next season with unrealistic expectations about what the Magpies could achieve.
What’s been said?
Antonio spoke about Howe and how this good form could be a bad thing.
“Newcastle fans won’t like this, but I’m trying to help your gaffer out. Him doing so well could kill him next season,” Antonio said.
The fact he’s come in and won so many games. I’m saying this, people expect stuff straight away. Because he’s done so well, people will expect things next season. If he keeps going and finishes strong, winning all of these games, a few more signings, what are these fans going to want? What will the owners think? I’m just putting it out there.”
Be realistic
Newcastle United need to be realistic about what Howe will be able to achieve next season, and luckily for the manager, it seems as though the club are ready to move up the footballing ladder slowly.
There’s a reason the Magpies signed the likes of Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Matt Targett in January rather than going for the biggest names in the game, they understand that patience will be key to their growth.
Next season, a top-half finish should be the goal, and beyond that a place in the Europa League and eventually the Champions League should be the targets.
Howe may have this team playing as though they’re one of the best sides in the country, but the reality is that they’re nowhere near that level just yet.
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