Eddie Howe reveals which Premier League manager inspired his Newcastle United journey

Eddie Howe has lauded Pep Guardiola’s “magical” Barcelona side as the most influential in his career.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, a rookie Spaniard had been thrown into the deep end to take charge of his beloved club. Guardiola had coached Barcelona B and was given the first-team gig ahead of the 2008-09 season. 

What followed was one of the most dominant eras ever witnessed, with an innovative style making sure Barcelona swept aside all before them. Spearheaded by a young Lionel Messi, the Catalans won a historic treble in Guardiola’s debut season as a manager. 

The novice coach made the bold call to offload Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o, although the latter remained for another season. A proponent of the now revered tiki-taka philosophy, players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta were given the confidence from top players to genuine all-time greats.

Another Champions League triumph against Manchester United - this time at Wembley - followed in 2011 before Guardiola called for a sabbatical the following year. His imprint at Barca laid the foundations for further successes with Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Speaking to DAZN, Newcastle United manager Howe hailed Guardiola’s genius - crowning his Barcelona style as the “best football” ever witnessed. He said: “My love for Spanish football certainly increased around the time Pep was managing Barcelona. For me, that was a magical time for football.

“Watching his Barcelona team at its peak, I think it is some of the best football I’ve ever seen. Even to this day, I think it’s some of the most beautiful football and the way he managed those players was incredible to see. That definitely inspired me and my management journey.”