There has been a lot of anger on Tyneside over the last 24 hours, as Newcastle were defeated by arch-rivals Sunderland in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby. In particular, criticism from supporters has been aimed in the direction of Eddie Howe, whose side put in a very poor performance at the Stadium of Light. It was another blow in what has been a disappointing season so far for Newcastle.
It is something that's clearly happened, whether it's a disagreement or he feels his job is under pressure and he doesn't feel it should be because of the two trophies he's won and the points he's picked up. I don't feel like he's a manager that will backtrack. He has got a passion about him and a drive about him. Whether he has heard things, like the club might want him out and he's been proactive to go on the front foot, you don't know why
The adrenaline of Aston Villa's 4-3 comeback win at Brighton on Wednesday has probably only just faded. He made cinematic viewing and triggered memories of Mario Balotelli struggling to put on a warm-up bib and Tim Sherwood, while Villa manager a decade ago, launching his club-branded jacket towards the turf after Christian Benteke equalised against QPR. By the end, Emery was hoarse and Villa had chalked up an eighth victory in nine Premier League matches, 12 out of 14 in all competitions.
I'm feeling good. I've been getting the goals more than I have previously. Before I have had better performances but maybe not got the goals. I am feeling fit, strong and the only thing I can focus on is controlling what I can control and the rest will sort itself out. I am really enjoying my football, focusing on the next game with Brighton.
Monchi joined Villa in 2023 from Spanish side Sevilla, where he had been sporting director, having previously worked with Villa boss Unai Emery at the La Liga club. The pair took Villa to the Europa Conference League semi-finals in 2024 and secured a Champions League place as they finished fourth in the Premier League that season. They went on to reach the Champions League quarter-finals last season, being knocked out by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.
