PEP GUARDIOLA has hailed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe as a ‘genuis’ after being left stunned by his morning routine.
Guardiola, who has just led Manchester City to a fifth Premier League title in six seasons is on the cusp of achieving a historic treble.
City take on Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday June 3 before facing Inter Milan in the Champions League final a week later.
However, despite all his success as a manager Guardiola was left stunned by Howe’s morning routine.
Howe has overseen a superb season for Newcastle and has guided the Magpies to Champions League football for the first time since the 2002/2003 season.
The former Bournemouth boss has explained his daily routine while transforming Newcastle’s fortunes which starts with arriving at the club’s Darsley Park training ground at 6am.
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He said: “I do a little workout to get my energy going. I use the facilities to get my energy in a good place. And then, I set about work and preparing the day.”
In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of lifting the Premier League title against Chelsea last weekend Guardiola was left in disbelief at Howe’s early starts.
He said: “I arrive late, later than six! 6am? That is genius. No, at 6am, I’m in bed. I love a sleep, so I’m not there.
“But I think all managers, we arrive early on, that’s for sure, and prepare training sessions and stay as long as you need.”
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Guardiola did admit that Premier League management was a 24 hour job.
He added: “But all managers are thinking for 24 hours in our jobs. We are not different, all of us.”
Guardiola and Howe are both nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award alongside Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Fulham’s Marco Silva.
City have two league games left as they travel to Brighton tonight and then conclude their campaign at Brentford.
Newcastle’s final game of the season sees them travel to Stamford Bridge to take on struggling Chelsea.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
