Newcastle almost hired one of the best managers in Europe not too long ago – before he had even began his managerial career.
The Magpies have endured a tough campaign under Eddie Howe amid a quite remarkable injury crisis.
However, the 2023/24 campaign has been nowhere near as demoralising as the dark days under Steve Bruce, where it almost seemed as if Newcastle were not even trying to win games.
Fortunately, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi saw no reason to keep the 63-year-old in charge after taking over from Mike Ashley, and Eddie Howe was hired.
Before Steve Bruce even arrived at Newcastle – however – the Magpies almost made a fascinating appointment…
Newcastle almost hired “unbelievable” manager
Well, this would have been quite something.
Before Newcastle offered Bruce a contract back in August 2019, talks were held about hiring Mikel Arteta to take over from Rafa Benitez.
That is according to the Telegraph.
It is said that Newcastle became so invested in talks with Arteta that the Spaniard was even asked for his thoughts on the potential signing of Joelinton.
The 42-year-old is actually said to have approved the Brazilian’s arrival at St James’ Park.
A £40m deal was eventually sealed, although it was Bruce who got to work with the South American after Arteta decided against taking the reins.
The Telegraph believe the man from San Sebastián – who has been called an “unbelievable” coach – did not feel Newcastle were the right club for him, and eventually took over from Unai Emery at Arsenal in December 2019.
Mikel Arteta made the right choice
Some Newcastle fans might kick themselves after hearing this, given the fact Arteta now sits top of the Premier League with Arsenal and is quite clearly a seriously talented coach.
However, people forget just how much the Spaniard struggled in his early days at the Emirates Stadium, but those in the boardroom showed genuine faith and patience – the Gunners were in the relegation zone at one stage.
Arteta also had the benefit of working with one of Europe’s top strikers at the time in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, along with precocious talents such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
At Newcastle, Bruce was working with the likes of Ryan Fraser, Jonjo Shelvey, Ciaran Clark, Jeff Hendrick, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle – with all due respect.
Therefore, the Magpies may not have enjoyed the same journey Arsenal have experienced under Arteta, had the Spaniard arrived at Newcastle instead of Bruce.
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