Newcastle United‘s Fabian Schär shared a close bond with Eddie Howe and was therefore taken aback by the manager’s exit.
Switzerland’s Blick have published a detailed interview with the centre-back discussing various topics, including Howe.
The former AFC Bournemouth boss arrived at Newcastle United in November 2021, a month after PIF took over the club.
On July 31st, he ended his time on Tyneside, who The Magpies appointed Matthias Jaissle as his successor earlier this month.
What Schär thinks about Howe exit
The 34-year-old joined the English club in 2018 and has played 251 matches, of which 175 were under Eddie Howe.
Blick put it to Fabian Schär that the manager’s exit came out of the blue and asked, ‘how much did it catch you off guard?’.
Responding to that, he said: “I’ve worked with no other coach for longer in my career than with Eddie. We built a solid foundation of trust. It’s a shame he left. He put his faith in me. We also held each other in high regard outside of sports.”
The defender only has positive things to say about Matthias Jaissle.
Schär explained: “He’s full of energy and radiates enthusiasm. He’s very interactive with us players, seeking dialogue and exchange with us. He demands high intensity and leads by example. My impression of him has been consistently positive.”
Maintains confidence in Newcastle United
The Premier League side have seen Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães move elsewhere this summer. The trio were an integral part of the squad under Eddie Howe.
When asked about their sales, Fabian Schär explained that’s part of football.
“That’s how it goes in football. Teams change. It’s always been that way and will remain so. I have great confidence in us,” he added.
At this stage of his career, the defender is personally looking to enjoy himself on the pitch.
“First and foremost, I’m grateful to be completely healthy again. I know I don’t have another ten years of soccer ahead of me,” Schär said.
“I enjoy being on the field, in the locker room and walking into our stadium. At the start of a career, you always set big goals for yourself, talking about titles and goals. I’m at a point where what matters most to me is enjoying the whole experience, if I can do that, further successes will follow.”
