Former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle has cautioned the club against appointing high-profile managers like Xavi or Jose Mourinho, arguing their respective styles and lack of Premier League experience do not align with the fans’ expectations for expansive football.
Newcastle United’s managerial future remains uncertain following Chief Executive David Hopkinson’s refusal to grant Eddie Howe long-term assurances.
Speculation has linked Xavi Hernandez and Jose Mourinho to the post, but Chris Waddle believes neither fits the club’s identity.
Regarding Xavi, Waddle noted, “It’s all right saying he was a great player but you’d have to judge him on his ability as a manager, and he’s never worked in the Premier League.”
Waddle also expressed concerns over Mourinho’s pragmatic approach, suggesting it would clash with the Tyneside tradition of front-foot football.
He argued that legendary figures like Kevin Keegan and Bobby Robson are cherished specifically for their entertaining styles.
“I think Newcastle fans would find it hard to take Mourinho and his football if it was 1-0 every week,” Waddle added, emphasizing that the supporters demand entertainment alongside results.