EDDIE HOWE is expected to behave in a manner that would not be demanded of overseas head coaches, just because he is English.
That is the view of former England international Joe Cole, who feels that Howe and his fellow English managers are being held back because they are held to different standards than their continental peers.
Howe is currently the only Englishman leading a club in the top half of the Premier League, but he was readily overlooked by the Football Association when they were searching for a successor to Gareth Southgate as England manager, with German Thomas Tuchel eventually being appointed.
“What people perceive as the English coach now, even in our own country, is that we hold them in low esteem,” said Cole, who was speaking in the latest episode of a new FA Cup podcast, ‘Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic’ that he co-hosts with his former team-mate Ashley Cole. “I think we're suffering from that.
“Do you know what, there's not enough opportunities. And when people have got opportunities, nobody's really punched through and gone and done it.
Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott recording 'Football's Greatest: Could It Be Magic' (Image: Rephrase Media)
“But I think as well, I look at Eddie Howe and Graham Potter, and how they hold themselves. They're very measured and very calm, right? I think that's forced upon English coaches because if an English manager or coach on the sideline behaves like Mikel Arteta or Pep (Guardiola), you'll be told, 'You're rash and too emotional.'
“You know what I mean? So the English coach, because of what's perceived of us as our culture, I think, everyone's so reserved.”
With Newcastle taking on Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend, Cole is hoping Howe will lead the Magpies all the way in the competition to further enhance his coaching credentials.
“They've got a (Carabao) Cup final coming up,” said Cole. “And I want them, so badly, want them to do well for the fanbase, but also for Eddie Howe.
“There ain’t enough English ex-players out there. You know, I know Eddie wasn't a top player, but we've got to want him to do well. You know what I mean? He's the leading (English manager) for me at the moment.”
* Football's Greatest: Could It Be Magic with Joe Cole and Ashley Cole, brought to you by Carling, the official sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. You can watch the show on YouTube and Spotify or listen to it wherever you get your podcasts.
