‘People don’t like you’ - Former Newcastle United player makes bizarre Eddie Howe claim
Dietmar Hamann has insisted Eddie Howe’s likability is a key factor to his popularity at Newcastle United.
As someone who spent a season at St James’ Park in 1998-99, the German suggested forming a kinship with locals on Tyneside is a difficult task. Hamann joined Kenny Dalglish’s Toon side and helped the club reach the FA Cup final before joining Liverpool a year later.
Despite having a bolder connection with Liverpool given his Istanbul heroics in 2005, the former midfielder maintains a watchful eye on Newcastle. He expects the Magpies to achieve a top-six finish regardless of last night’s shock defeat to West Ham United.
Howe’s men were outfought on home soil by a confidence-bereft Hammers outfit. The loss leaves Newcastle sitting 10th after 12 games in 2024-25 - with European qualification the aim.
“Eddie Howe is well-liked, which is very important up there because if people don't like you, usually you have a hard time,” Hamann told Genting Casino. “He has to win games. I think they'll be fine.
“Newcastle should be aiming for the top six. They've got quite an old team. I think they need to bring some younger players in. Obviously, Botman was a big miss for them and Isak was out too.
“At some stage, they have to win a trophy because I know how desperate the people are up there. I went to an FA Cup final with Newcastle. We got a hero's welcome, and I said I can't even imagine how they would have welcomed us if we had won that game.
“I wouldn't rule them out of getting into the Champions League this season, even though it won't be easy. The top three, they have it locked up. So, you have to win a league of 17 teams, including Chelsea and Manchester United, Villa and Tottenham.
“If Newcastle could get back in the Champions League - because you get so much money by getting in - it gives them a better opportunity to win a cup in the following years. Playing European football is vital. They should finish in the top six. I think they will finish in the top six.”