Howe plays down ‘new Simeone’ label, claiming that he didn’t learn ‘dark arts’ from Atletico boss

Because of

 having the best defense in the Premier League, Eddie Howe has been labeled the “new Diego Simeone”. Despite the title amusing Howe, he claims that he didn’t learn the “dark arts” from Simeone back when he used to attend

training sessions.

"It's so funny how things can be blown out of all proportion.”

He told reporters.

"Yes, I did go and see a couple of Diego Simeone's training sessions, and I have huge respect for him as a coach and a manager.

"But literally they're one-hour training sessions and then you go. Certainly I took nothing of the 'dark arts' from Diego.

"I'm very much the same manager [he was before]. I've changed slightly because I've got older and I've got new ideas, and I'm always looking to evolve my work and improve.

"I'm still fundamentally the same manager with the same principles and the same beliefs in style of play.

"I just think I've become different from managing Newcastle. I think, naturally, managing this club is a huge challenge, so you evolve in that way."

Howe went on to deny that his side are looking more to protect results rather than entertain, saying:

"The template is to entertain – of course, within the Kevin framework," he said. "We want Newcastle supporters to come to the game excited about what they're going to see.

"It's to attack, it's to be front-foot, and it's also to try to win."

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