Eddie Howe 'delighted' as two-year deal confirmed
Eddie Howe believes Pep Guardiola’s decision to stay at Manchester City helps keep the Premier League the best in the world.
Guardiola put an end to the constant speculation surrounding his future when penned a new two-year contract with the champions of England on Thursday.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager arrived at City in 2016 and in that has won 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.
But as well as the trophies, Newcastle United boss Howe has credited Guardiola with revolutionising the English game.
Asked if Guardiola staying will make it harder for Newcastle to compete at the top, Howe smiled and replied: “Yeah, I was delighted to see that!”
Howe then continued: “On a serious note, I think he has contributed so much to English football.
“I think he has revolutionised how a lot of teams play. I think he is incredibly talented. It is good for the English game that he’s still here and he will continue to develop and evolve his style, and people will continue to potentially follow that. From that side, great.
“Of course, from the competition side, it just keeps the Premier League, for me, the best league in the world.”
There is a lot of mutual respect between Howe and Guardiola.
Follow the latest Newcastle United headlines and sign up for our football newsletter - find out more
Speaking after the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park in September, Guardiola said: “A manager for many years, a lot of times, and never creates a problem in press conferences, always polite for opponents, like we try to do as a club. I admit that we would like to win, we draw, they deserve it as well, and we both take the point.
“I said to him how I admire him and for the way they approached the game, in high-pressing, so direct. They have a lot of legs with [Jacob] Murphy, [Anthony] Gordon, [Harvey] Barnes - we controlled them really, really well in the most part of the game, especially when we play so, so high. Bruno [Guimaraes], and Joelinton, the physicality, [Sandro] Tonali, and after the central defenders so high. It's such a difficult team.
“Newcastle last season struggled a little bit for just one reason; a lot of injuries. Otherwise that team competes really well.”