Eddie Howe is more than just a manager - Sandro Tonali

It's been a rollercoaster couple of years for Sandro Tonali ever since he arrived at St James' Park from the San Siro.

A goal on his Premier League debut, a ten month ban, becoming one of the best midfielders in the world upon his return, and having a big role to play in our eventual Carabao Cup triumph: not bad for a player who's only 25-years-old.

A lot of that success, besides Tonali's own brilliance on the ball, has been down to his work with Eddie Howe, who sees the Milanese maestro as a core player to build his entire team around.

And it's a shared feeling, as Tonali has opened up about his positive relationship with the manager, who he credits with helping him thrive and succeed after some difficult times since making the switch from Italy to England.

Tonali: Howe more than a manager

Speaking in a new interview, Sandro Tonali has opened up on his respect and admiration for Eddie Howe.

The boss has been under pressure after a rough start to the season has left us 14th in the league, but the Italian has jumped to his defence, hailing his qualities as a man and a manager.

"Beyond his qualities as a coach and what he’s given me on the pitch, he’s given me so much as a person.

I’ll definitely always remember him with affection, and I think he’ll be part of my life in the future as well."

"In these three years together, he’s helped me a lot, on and off the pitch, and even today he continues to do so.

”He’s really a good person, and it’s no coincidence that he’s respected by everyone here in Newcastle, fans and players alike."

Tonali could very easily have regressed and struggled on the pitch after his ten month ban, but Howe’s faith in the player, coupled with his excellent work rate and desire to repay the club, has enabled him to truly flourish over the last 12 months.

Tonali here to stay?

Ever since the end of last season, Tonali has been linked with a return to his native Italy, with the Italian media pushing Juventus as the club most likely to sign the star.

But these latest comments from Tonali just go to prove one thing: he’s not in a rush to leave.

We also triggered an additional clause in his contract that has nailed down the player until 2030, and you would imagine it would take another astronomical fee, similar to what we received for Alexander Isak, to let Tonali go before 2030 comes along.

So despite the mixed start to both ours and the player’s 25/26 campaign, form will return, and with the player content under the manager at the club, there’s still plenty to look forward to with Sandro Tonali in the heart of our midfield.