Eddie Howe on the Importance of Fundamentals in Football
Eddie Howe admits that everyday life as a footballer has changed since the days in which he played under Harry Redknapp and Kevin Bond in his early years. But insists he asks his players for exactly the same fundamentals as those he was taught by iconic figures in the dugout when breaking through as a professional. Howe is a candidate for manager of the season after leading Newcastle back from the brink of Premier League relegation in less than six months.
As he goes in against Pep Guardiola this weekend against Manchester City, he was asked how much things have changed since his days as a young player at Bournemouth.
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Howe said: "It's very different now, but the fundamentals are the same probably. When I came in as a footballer for the first time it was about hard work and discipline.
"There was a little bit of sacrifice and you had to revolve your life around football, and I loved it. I loved making those decisions early in life to be the best footballer I could be.
"I think the principle has not changed now. I ask my players to do exactly the same thing. What happens on the training pitch now compared to then? Very different. But the principles are exactly the same."
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