Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reveals secret skill that allows him to be fully focused on his job every day
There are very few people in football who approach their job with the same level of intensity, discipline, and passion as Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe. A self-confessed workaholic, Howe has built a reputation not only as a tactician but also as a man who lives and breathes the game 24/7.
After his departure from Bournemouth, many expected Howe to take a well-earned break away from the stresses of management. Instead, he used that period to travel across Europe, shadowing some of the most respected coaches in world football. From training grounds in Spain to tactical seminars in Germany, Howe dedicated his time to absorbing new philosophies and methods, determined to return to management sharper and more informed than ever.
So, when he eventually walked through the doors at St. James’ Park, it quickly became clear to players, staff, and fans alike that Newcastle had appointed a man utterly devoted to the craft. Howe’s trademark routine soon became obvious: he is the first to arrive at the training ground in the morning and almost always the last to leave at night. Every detail, from training drills to post-match analysis, goes under his watchful eye.
In a recent sit-down interview with Sky Sports, Howe opened up about his relentless working habits, offering supporters a glimpse into the daily life of one of the Premier League’s most meticulous managers.
Eddie Howe’s secret weapon – his ability to sleep instantly
When asked how he balances his grueling schedule with personal well-being, Howe revealed that one of his biggest strengths is his natural ability to fall asleep instantly.
“Thankfully, I’m a really good sleeper, and I need to be because my days are intense and action-packed,” he said. “If I didn’t sleep well, I think that would have a detrimental effect on my ability to perform. I go to sleep really quickly as well. I’ve always had that natural gift, which I really appreciate, and I don’t want it to change.”
In the same lighthearted conversation, Howe joked that one thing that always seems to follow him into every club office is his right-hand man, Jason Tindall, with whom he has built an unbreakable managerial partnership.
Preparing for battle – hours of game analysis
If sleep recharges Howe, analysis is what drives him. The Newcastle boss admitted that in preparation for upcoming fixtures, he will watch anywhere between three and five full matches of the opposition, even when facing sides he already knows well. Against less familiar opponents, that number rises even higher.
The process is exhausting for many, but for Howe, it is a non-negotiable part of his craft. Every detail matters, whether it’s a subtle defensive weakness, a tendency in transition, or a set-piece pattern that could be exploited.
This level of commitment is not without its challenges, of course. As Howe himself joked, “Imagine having to watch five or more West Ham games in a row!” Yet it is precisely this dedication that has allowed him to transform Newcastle United into one of the most organised and disciplined teams in the Premier League.
Why Eddie Howe’s work ethic matters for Newcastle
Howe’s tireless approach is more than just personal discipline—it has set the tone for the entire club. Players buy into his vision because they see the work he invests behind the scenes. The culture at Newcastle today is one built on graft, improvement, and meticulous attention to detail, and that comes directly from the man leading the team.
For Newcastle supporters, Howe’s relentless pursuit of excellence is a reassuring sight. It demonstrates that the club’s ambitions are in safe hands, guided by a manager who refuses to cut corners and who demands as much of himself as he does of those around him.
As the Magpies continue to compete in domestic and European competitions, Eddie Howe’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s hardest-working managers will only grow. His balance of humor, humility, and sheer determination ensures that Newcastle is not just being managed—it is being nurtured by a man who views football as more than a job. For Howe, it is a way of life.