Eddie Howe has revealed he has one "non-negotiable" rule as Newcastle manager while opening up on the challenges of being in charge of the Premier League side.
Newcastle appointed Howe as manager in November 2021 after Steve Bruce was sacked by the club's Saudi-backed ownership.
Former Bournemouth and Burnley boss Howe enjoyed immediate success, easing the club's relegation fears before eventually guiding them to an 11th-place finish in the league in the 2021/22 campaign.
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The following season Howe guided Newcastle to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, securing them a spot in the Champions League, while they also reached the final of the Carabao Cup – eventually losing to Manchester United.
He has found the current campaign much tougher, with Newcastle hampered by injuries through the season.
The Magpies finished bottom of their Champions League group and are currently sixth in the Premier League.
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Howe has opened up on the difficulties he's faced this season, in the latest episode of The Overlap's Stick To Football – brought to you by Sky Bet.
"When you're not winning games and you have to do media interviews every few days, that part is difficult because you're not sure what else you can say that you haven't said already," said Howe.
"I find that difficult, but not the worst part of being manager. I would say the worst part is disappointing the players, I hate leaving good players out.
"I hate that moment when you're going to disappoint them, especially if they've got a good attitude and they're giving you everything they can give, and you're not picking them on a regular basis – I find that very difficult because I care about their respective journeys and I want them to enjoy playing for me.
"Whenever I am in that situation with players, I feel that honesty is the best way to deal with it. I've found doing it that way has never harmed me, so rather than shying away from a difficult conversation, I'll have it."
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Howe also revealed he has a "non-negotiable" rule with all of his players.
"My philosophy is that if you're in the team and you're not playing the next game, I'll always sit down and have a conversation with the player, but if you're not in the team for a run of games, then I wouldn't be having that conversation every week. I believe that players deserve the respect," Howe added.
"From day one, that was one of my non-negotiables which is one of my duties to the players."
Newcastle next face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, before taking on Manchester United and Brentford in their remaining league games.
Topics: Newcastle United, Eddie Howe, Premier League, Champions League, Football
Rory O'Callaghan