Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, thanked supporters for their “warm wishes and messages” after the team revealed he is in the hospital recovering after a pneumonia diagnosis.
After feeling ill for several days, 47-year-old Howe arrived at the hospital late on Friday.
He will miss Newcastle’s Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday at St. James’ Park, the team said on Saturday.
Assistant manager Jason Tindall stated that Howe watched the game from his hospital bed after the Magpies triumphed 4-1.
A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family,” Howe said in a statement issued by the club.
“I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me.
“I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”
Tindall and fellow coach Graeme Jones will lead Newcastle for their Premier League matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa on 16 and 19 April respectively.
The club said “further updates” concerning Howe’s situation would be “communicated in due course”.
“The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery,” the statement added.
With a well-earned victory against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley last month, Howe led Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years.
At the moment, Newcastle is ranked fourth in the Premier League standings.
Howe, who was born in Amersham, took over as head coach of the Magpies in November 2021 after Steve Bruce left the position.
In the last three seasons, Newcastle has placed fourth, seventh, and eleventh.
Howe has managed Newcastle in 165 games across all competitions, winning 84, drawing 36, and losing 45.
During the 2023–24 season, the Magpies made history by defeating Paris St-Germain in the Champions League group stage, but they were unable to advance to the knockout stage under Howe.
He previously had two spells in charge of Bournemouth either side of a brief stint at Burnley, and has been talked of as a future England manager.
However, he said he was not interviewed by the Football Association to replace Gareth Southgate, with Thomas Tuchel appointed Three Lions boss last October.
