Eddie Howe dismissed claims that linked Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to his job on Friday, saying that his future at struggling Newcastle was in his own hands.
The Magpies are far from the pace they set last season to finish in the top four as they go into their Premier League matchup with Wolves on Saturday. They are now in 10th place.
According to a German report, should Newcastle want to replace Howe at the end of the current campaign, they may look to the former Bayern manager.
“To be honest, it doesn’t affect me,” Howe said to reporters when they inquired about the rumors. My actions, not those of anyone else, will determine my future, so here I am, seated in the seat.”
Since taking over St. James’ Park a few weeks after the Saudi-funded acquisition of the team—which hasn’t won a major trophy since 1969—Howe has had a significant impact on the facility.
He led Newcastle out of the relegation zone and went on to lead the team to the League Cup final the previous season, where they qualified for the Champions League.
But they were knocked out of Europe too soon, and they haven’t been able to sustain their form in the league, so their only hope to win silverware is in the FA Cup, where they will play holders Manchester City next.
“It’s up to me to continually prove (myself),” replied Howe. “However, I support my skills and abilities. I am aware of my strengths. I am aware of my strengths and my goals for the team and the club.
“I can’t control what people write and what speculation there is in every sense and I don’t try to get involved in it.”
In an attempt to make it to Europe, Howe acknowledged that Newcastle was “running out of time” to save their season.
“I don’t think we can drop too many points, whether it’s home or home or away,” he stated.
“Let me tell you, in the Premier League, there are no easy points. Although the divide is unrelenting, we are aware that our opportunities are dwindling.”