Eddie Howe has instilled the 'right mentality and belief' at Newcastle United which proves the Magpies were 'right to change' from former boss Steve Bruce. That is the view of former United defender Jose Enrique, who is confident the club will become one of England's 'top clubs' should the owners continue to back the head coach.
Bruce's tumultuous time in charge at St James' Park came to an end by mutual consent in October last year, with Newcastle winless and out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle. Howe was appointed the following month, but the Magpies had still only tasted victory once at the turn of the year.
However, the Newcastle head coach has helped inspired a remarkable revival in the team's fortunes, with an unbeaten nine-match league run only recently coming to an end. United spent in excess of £90m in the January transfer window, and all five signings have contributed with the side currently sat nine points clear of the relegation zone.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe hopeful of retaining some of Newcastle United's squad identity
Bruce's Newcastle record was regularly the subject of debate between frustrated fans and commentators, and Enrique insists the current West Brom did a 'wonderful job' under the circumstances. However, the former full-back has praised Howe's impact after inheriting a 'strange situation'.
Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, Enrique told ChronicleLive "I think Bruce was more defensive. I have nothing against him, I think he did a wonderful job.
"But I think it was the right change, you get a younger manager with a lot of ambition and a lot of knowledge about football. He likes players who play football, and that's what Newcastle fans love as well with the team playing good, attacking football.
"I think he has done great, and I think then the most important thing for me is with the mentality. If you look even before Eddie arrived and the new players arrived, if you look at the squad I would not say Newcastle will suffer relegation this year.
"There are a lot worse teams than them even before the January signings. They have areas to improve upon, but who doesn't?
"It was a very strange situation when they were there, and there are a lot of teams fighting against relegation. Newcastle got the right manager, the right players, and now they have the right mentality and belief in Eddie.
"That is the most important thing. Everyone at the club really believes the system Eddie is trying to put in to play, the formation, the style. Everyone is following him and that's why they have been successful.
"I believe Newcastle are going to become one of the top teams in England, I don't know how long it is going to take. If they keep spending and trust in Eddie, I believe it is going to get better and better."
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