Eddie Howe reacts to major Premier League news with Newcastle United impacted

Eddie Howe has offered his sympathy to Steven Gerrard following his sacking as Aston Villa manager.
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Eddie Howe has reacted to Steven Gerrard’s sacking - just over a week before Newcastle United face Aston Villa. The Liverpool legend was relieved of his duties just hours after Villa fell to a 3-0 defeat at Fulham on Thursday night.

Gerrard was appointed Villa boss five days after Howe joined Newcastle in November last year. While Howe has excelled on Tyneside so far - taking the club from 19th to 6th - the pressure has grown on Gerrard and he was sacked after just two wins in his opening 11 games left Villa 17th in the top-flight table.

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“Very disappointed for Steven,” Howe sympathised. “He’s a very, very good manager. It just goes to show the short-term nature of everyone’s thinking and reactions. We’re in a very difficult job, a very volatile job at times and there are a lot of short-term opinions and reactions.

“I’ve got no doubt on his quality. I’m sure he’ll be back very soon. I was thinking of him last night because that could be any of us at any stage. I always feel for a manager who loses his job.

Aston Villa have announced the five first-team backroom staff members who will leave the club along with Steven Gerrard.Aston Villa have announced the five first-team backroom staff members who will leave the club along with Steven Gerrard.
Aston Villa have announced the five first-team backroom staff members who will leave the club along with Steven Gerrard.

“You’re aware when you go into the job the volatile nature that it can be. You go very much eyes open. I think it keeps you very grounded, very level-headed in good and bad moments because you know it can change so quickly.

“I think that’s one of the things that makes the job so exciting, so rewarding but also, you always have at the back of your head what could happen. For me, it motivates me to do the best job that I can every single day to stay managing this brilliant club.”

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The Magpies will be hoping Gerrard’s departure isn’t the start of a Villa revival. The Midlands club host Brentford on Sunday before visiting St James’ Park next Saturday. Ruben Amorim, manager of Sporting Lisbon and Mauricio Pochettino are among the early frontrunners to take charge.