'Under pressure' Eddie Howe reveals what he hasn't asked Newcastle United's owners about his future

The Magpies have won just two of their last 11 Premier League fixtures, a run of form that has seen them slide to 12th table. They have often taken points off the ‘big six’ but struggled to perform against those outside, summed up last week when they held Liverpool to a 3-3 draw only to lose 4-2 at Brentford three days later.

As a result, criticism has been aimed in Howe’s direction and the perception of some is that the head coach is under pressure. Does Howe feel that?

"I think I always feel under pressure and I'm not trying to be clever with my answer but genuinely I always feel under pressure, but in different ways depending on results,” Howe told NewcastleWorld.

“Under pressure to keep winning, and under pressure to win and if you're not then under pressure to deliver for the players, under pressure to work in the right way to be a role model for all the people of Newcastle so I always feel under pressure.

“I don't negatively feel under pressure to affect my mood or my emotions, I try very hard to keep them under control and be the best person I can be for the players when they need me."

Howe revealed he hasn’t sought assurances from the club’s hierarchy during this tough period but admits his future will be dictated by results.

“I don’t seek it, I’m not that type of person,” said Howe. “I don’t know if it’s the right word, but I’m not needy, I don’t seek assurances or look above me and engage in conversations to see how the land lies. That’s not me.

“My work is always with the players and how to affect them positively. My future will be dictated by results on the pitch, not seeking anything.”

It is understood Howe has the full backing of those who matter as he prepares for a pivotal week that starts with the visit of Leicester City to St James’ Park on Saturday.

After that comes Brentford in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before travelling to Ipswich Town in the last game before Christmas.

“In the position we [managers] are in, there is a lot of scrutiny and a lot of opinions, I understand that and take criticism and you know it’s part of the job, I’ve got no issue with it.

“And in some respects, I encourage it because if it keeps it away from the players which for me is absolutely because they’re the ones that have to perform on the pitch and perform in the best environment we create.

“I think the only way to respond to that is win games, work smarter and to try and get positive results.”