What rival Premier League bosses have said about Newcastle United & Eddie Howe this season

As we officially move into the second half of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United sit in eighth having accumulated 33 points from 22 games.

Although recent cup woes are sure to have disappointed fans, the Magpies have finally hit their stride in league play, though that came to a halt with the draw at Wolves. With a tumultuous start hopefully behind them, we’ve taken a look at what the opposition’s managers have said about Howe’s squad this season.

Arne Slot

In October, Slot’s comments in a post-match press conference landed him in hot water with Newcastle fans. After being asked about the fitness of ex-Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, Slot alluded to the fact that Isak’s fresh groin injury was down to lack of preparation and limited play in pre-season. He stated, “So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn’t trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool.”

Last Summer Isak, set on a move to Anfield, refused to train or play for Newcastle in pre-season leaving Howe to admit that the Swede’s decision had damaged their relationship. However, this time around, Howe refused to speak on the matter, simply stating, “I don't think that's wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club, so I won't comment on it.”

Pep Guardiola

Guardiola was full of flattery for Eddie Howe and his team as he spoke before the two teams met for an EFL Cup semi final first leg. With the teams’ Premier League meeting in November ending in a 2-1 defeat for Guardiola, the City boss admitted he “didn't sleep last night thinking about how my genius can come up with a plan for Eddie Howe.”

His sentiment polarizing to the comments of Slot, Guardiola stated, “ Look how many games they have won in the last minute. The push from the crowd…in that stadium it is special. The semi-finals, playing Arsenal and Chelsea, it would be as difficult as Newcastle is."

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Regis Le Bris

Though the rivalry runs deep between Sunderland and Newcastle, Le Bris made some very balanced comments post Wear-Tyne derby in December. Calling the fixture an “exciting challenge” he said the Black Cats were going into the game with “humility” noting Newcastle’s status as a Champions League contender.

The Frenchman said, “Newcastle are strong and are well established in the Premier League. They played in the Champions League two days ago. We'll be the underdogs. We have to have this mindset, if we have this mindset that the game will be easier because we've had a good start, it will be a problem.”

Join the Gazette’s free NUFC newsletter to follow the latest headlines and updates from the PL and Champions League

David Moyes

A late November 1-4 defeat for Everton at home, courtesy of the Magpies, provoked Toffees manager Moyes to hold his hands up in defeat, praising the strength of Newcastle.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day he said, "We were beaten by a far better team. Newcastle were much better than us. You can see the experience they are gaining from playing in European games. They were just much more powerful than us all night."

Your next Newcastle United read: Leeds United transfer blow after demanding £40m from Newcastle United - £6m deal now agreed