Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp would not be able to match Eddie Howe's remarkable transformation of Newcastle United. That is the view of Jamie Carragher, with the Liverpool legend naming the Magpies boss as his Premier League manager of the year.
Newcastle had won just once in all competitions entering 2022, and were soon humbled in the FA Cup at St James' Park by Cambridge United. However, Howe quickly helped turn the club's fortunes around as a battle for survival eventually led to an 11th-placed finish.
Investment in excess of £200 million across both transfer window has helped overhaul Newcastle's first-team squad. However, Carragher believes smart recruitment coupled with drastic improvements in the likes of Miguel Almiron and Joelinton is the real reason behind the Magpies' stunning rise.
READ MORE: Newcastle United transfer plans could change after Jonjo Shelvey injury says Eddie Howe
The Sky Sports pundit insists it is 'inaccurate and unfair' to simply judge Howe's start at St James' Park through the backing he has received from the new owners. Carragher labels it a 'triumph of coaching', and does not believe Guardiola or Klopp would have had a greater instant impact than the Magpies boss.
He told the Telegraph: "Eddie Howe is the Premier League manager of 2022. The first phase of the new era at Newcastle United is a triumph of coaching more than the result of a financial revolution.
"I don’t believe any other manager could have bettered Howe’s work at St James’ Park over the past 12 months. Had the club’s Saudi Arabia owners’ somehow lured Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp to the North East upon completing their takeover, the team would not be in a stronger position.
"Much has been made of the money available at Newcastle and where it will eventually take the club. It is inaccurate and unfair to judge Howe’s early work through that lens.
"He has led a team that was second from bottom to third in the Premier League through a combination of astute purchases and by vastly improving the performances of those players he inherited. Financial backing has been part of it, but secondary to Howe changing Newcastle’s style."
READ NEXT
- Newcastle United striker talked up by Eddie Howe as England man faces late fitness test
- We recall Pele's Newcastle United links after footballing icon dies aged 82
- Jurgen Klopp gives ultimate compliment to Newcastle after Liverpool boss' previous 'ceiling' dig
- Pep Guardiola labels Manchester City task as 'terrible' with Newcastle facing same dilemma
- The Newcastle United 'fine tuning' makes for an exciting January window as Eddie Howe aims high
