Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe recalls 'brilliant' gesture from Brendan Rodgers ahead of Leicester City visit

Eddie Howe’s respect for Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers will only fuel his desire to guide Newcastle United to victory this Sunday (2pm kick-off).
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Howe will be hoping to help The Magpies claim back to back Premier League victories and ease their relegation fears slightly when they visit The King Power Stadium this weekend.

The match will see Howe come up against Rodgers, a manager who helped influence the early part of the Newcastle boss’ coaching career.

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While at Burnley in the Championship during the 2011-12 season, Howe asked to watch Rodgers at work with his newly promoted Swansea City side.

Brendan Rodgers the manager of Leicester City conducts media interviews following the  the Premier League match between Aston Villa  and  Leicester City at Villa Park on December 05, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Brendan Rodgers the manager of Leicester City conducts media interviews following the  the Premier League match between Aston Villa  and  Leicester City at Villa Park on December 05, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers the manager of Leicester City conducts media interviews following the the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leicester City at Villa Park on December 05, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Rodgers had gained a positive reputation at Swansea for applying a fearless, possession based play-style despite being top-flight newcomers.

A decade ago, Howe spent a couple of days observing Rodgers’ training sessions in South Wales and discussed tactics.

Although Howe’s memory of the event is a little hazy nowadays – Rodgers’ support and generosity is something that has stuck with him.

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“I struggle to remember the years, they seem to go so quickly,” said the 44-year-old. “But yeah, a long time ago, I think it was when I was when I was at Burnley, he was in a different league to me but I went to him and he was absolutely brilliant with me.

"We have very similar philosophies I think in terms of how we see the game. But he gave me his time and that's something as a manager, I know we have very little of and I really appreciated it – we’ve remained close ever since.”

On Sunday, Rogers and Howe will go head to head as equals in the Premier League. Leicester currently sit 11th, nine points ahead of The Magpies in the Premier League table.

“It’s a very tough game for us," Howe admitted. “I don't see anything other than a really tight game – both teams will be desperate to win.

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“But I've got a lot of time for Brendan and the job that he's done at Leicester, I think he's an incredible manager.

"But we will endeavour to go there and give a very good account of ourselves and try and win the match.”

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