Eddie Howe's Newcastle 2024-25 WON THE PREMIER LEAGUE 111 GS

EDDIE HOWE'S NEWCASTLE 2024-25 MASTERCLASS

Hi guys
this is my emulation of Eddie Howe's Newcastle 2024-25 tactic
I only played English Premier League games (38 games, won 28 , draw 5 lost 5 , 111 goals scored 40 goals allowed) and skipped friendly and cup matches to make it faster.
Let's see the tactical analysis:

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: EDDIE HOWE’S NEWCASTLE 2024-25
Under the guidance of Eddie Howe, Newcastle United is establishing itself as one of the most intriguing teams in football. Howe has not only led the club to a significant trophy, the League Cup, but has also laid the foundation for an ambitious future, as evidenced by the "Project 2030" backed by the Saudi ownership. He has proven to be a meticulous and obsessive coach who has molded an aggressive and well-organized team, a stark departure from the classic "kick and run" stereotype of English football.
His philosophy is built on constant intensity in every phase of the game, a collective mindset where each player knows their role, whether it’s attacking or defending. To fully understand his approach, let's analyze Newcastle's game model, starting with the in-possession phase, moving on to transitions, and then to the out-of-possession phase, and finally looking at the characteristics of the key players.
In-Possession Phase: Fluidity and Versatility
On the field, Newcastle lines up in a 1-4-3-3, but this formation is merely a starting point. During the offensive build-up, the team transforms into a very asymmetrical 1-3-2-5. The way they build play is flexible and depends on the opponent's pressing.
1. Build-up Play: When possible, Newcastle builds from the back with a well-oiled 3+2 structure. The central defenders Schar and Burn, along with full-back Livramento, form a back three, with Burn staying deeper on the left as a third center-back. In front of them, the central midfield duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Tonali connects the defense to the attack, with Bruno acting as the primary playmaker. Trippier is a key component here, as he can push very high on the right flank or move centrally to create numerical superiority in midfield, showcasing great tactical intelligence. If they face high pressure, Howe doesn't hesitate to bypass it with long balls, using Isak as a target man or exploiting the speed of the wingers.
2. Attacking Development: Newcastle's midfield is extremely dynamic and never static. The three midfielders (Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, and Joelinton) are constantly moving, creating a staggered structure that's never flat. Bruno often drops deep to receive the first pass and dictate play. Meanwhile, Tonali and Joelinton swap positions to create space. Joelinton, in particular, is very active on the left side, making runs between the lines or moving wide to disorganize the opposing defense. This movement creates a fluid "triangle" in the midfield that facilitates quick passing and opens up gaps between the opposition's lines.
3. Final Third and Finishing: Newcastle's final third play isn't reliant on a single player; it's a coordinated effort involving many. The goal is to receive the ball in the "half-spaces" (the channels between the central defender and full-back) and then finish with quick triangulations, cutting runs, or switches of play. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are crucial in this phase, with Bruno setting the tempo and Joelinton making dangerous runs. The center-forward Alexander Isak also plays a vital role by dropping deep to receive the ball with his back to goal, which draws defenders out of position and creates space for his teammates. In the final third, Newcastle is unpredictable, alternating between direct attacks, long shots, crosses, and through balls, making it hard for opponents to anticipate their moves.
4. Offensive Wide Play: The flanks are a major strength, especially the right side, where Trippier, Murphy, and Tonali (or a similar player) operate. Here, Newcastle creates numerical superiority with combinations and overlaps. Trippier pushes high, Murphy can move centrally to open up space or stay wide for a one-on-one, while Tonali drops deep or makes a run into the space. This wide play stretches the opponent's defense to create central gaps for Isak and others to exploit. On the left, the mechanism is slightly different, relying more on Barnes and Joelinton's runs and movements back inside.
Transitions: Quick and Aggressive
1. Offensive Transition: When they win the ball back, Newcastle immediately looks to play vertically. The team doesn't waste time but seeks to exploit the opponent's unbalanced defense with a few quick touches. The wingers and Isak are already prepared to make runs. If the ball is won back in a deeper position and the team isn't in control, they prefer to consolidate possession patiently before suddenly accelerating when the right moment arises.
2. Defensive Transition: When Newcastle loses the ball, the reaction is immediate. The primary goal is not to fall back right away but to win the ball back as quickly as possible, creating "local density" around the ball carrier. If the initial pressing doesn't work, the team doesn't overcommit but quickly retreats to form a compact 1-4-5-1. The defensive structure is already designed to absorb a potential loss of possession, with defenders and midfielders maintaining balanced positions.
Out-of-Possession Phase: Compactness and Pressure
In the out-of-possession phase, Newcastle shifts into a compact 1-4-5-1, with the wingers dropping back to help the midfield. Their defensive approach is proactive and organized.
1. Pressing and Blocking: The team doesn't engage in an all-out press but rather a targeted one aimed at blocking central passing lanes, forcing opponents to play wide or launch long balls. Midfielders and forwards position themselves to screen passes, while the wingers fall back to form a dense, five-player midfield line that is difficult to break through.
2. Defensive Line: The back four is compact and works with a "short diagonal" structure. When the ball is on a flank, the defense shifts as a unit: the full-back on the ball side steps up to press, the nearest center-back covers the space behind them, and the rest of the line squeezes towards the center. This principle is clear: Newcastle prefers to concede wide space but never the dangerous central areas.
3. Midfield Approach: Newcastle's midfield doesn't defend in a flat, passive manner. Joelinton and Tonali are often the first to break the line and press opponents between the lines, while Bruno Guimaraes tucks in to cover the central space. This creates a staggered midfield line that combines aggression with coverage, making it hard for opponents to find openings.
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The Players: Characteristics and Roles
• Goalkeepers: Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka are functional, reactive, and reliable goalkeepers, fitting Howe's pragmatic approach that prioritizes safety over elaborate build-up.
• Center-Backs: Schar and Burn are a complementary pair. Schar is more comfortable stepping up and initiating play, while Burn is a more traditional defender focused on covering and marking.
• Full-Backs: Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento have distinct roles. Trippier is the attacking full-back who pushes high and moves centrally, while Livramento is more conservative, providing balance on the opposite flank.
• Midfielders: The trio of Guimaraes-Tonali-Joelinton is the true engine of the team. Bruno is the fulcrum, Tonali is a technical and supportive presence, and Joelinton is the physical force who makes runs between the lines.
• Wingers: Murphy and Barnes are not just attacking wingers. They are complete players who participate in both phases of the game with great intensity. Murphy is a direct winger skilled in one-on-ones, while Barnes is more technical, comfortable cutting inside onto his strong foot.
• Forwards: Alexander Isak is the modern center-forward Howe wants. He doesn't just score goals but drops deep to link up play, attacks spaces, and serves as the primary attacking outlet. Callum Wilson offers a solid alternative.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
• Rapid Offensive Transitions: The team plays vertically quickly, exploiting the speed of the wingers and Isak.
• Defensive Compactness: The defensive line is tight, narrow, and well-coordinated.
• Intelligent Pressing: Their press is organized to block central lanes.
• Midfield Fluidity: The midfielders are constantly moving, creating space and superiority.
• Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes: Two key players who can change the tempo of the game.
Weaknesses:
• Vulnerability to Switches of Play: When they overcommit to one side, they can be exposed on the weak side.
• Lack of Precision in the Final Third: Despite a good build-up, some finishing or final passes can be rushed or inaccurate.
• Dependence on Bruno Guimaraes: If an opponent manages to limit him, their offensive flow is noticeably affected.

Now we can see the guide on how to create this tactic on FM 24

Eddie Howe's Newcastle 2024-25 in Football Manager 2024
The goal of this guide is to replicate the Newcastle 2024-25 playing style, which is based on intensity, flexibility, and a fluid attacking phase. It’s a dynamic brand of football that can build patiently or attack with rapid speed.
Formation and Mentality
• Base Formation: 4-3-3
• Mentality: Positive, for a good balance between aggression and caution.
Team Instructions
In Possession
• Attacking Width: Fairly wide. This replicates Newcastle's use of the flanks and forces the opponent's defense to spread out, creating space centrally.
• Play Out of Defense: Howe prefers a well-thought-out build-up, though he doesn't shy away from long balls.
• Passing Directness: Shorter. The idea is to use quick, precise passing to overcome the opponent's press.
• Tempo: Higher. Newcastle plays an intense brand of football, which translates to a high tempo that disorients the opposition.
• Crossing: Low. This is to exploit runs from deep and cutbacks.
In Transition
• When Possession Is Lost: Counter-press. This is a fundamental principle of Howe's Newcastle. Players immediately try to win the ball back in the area where they lost it.
• When Possession Is Won: Counter-attack. Once the ball is won back, the instruction is to immediately attack the space behind the defense.
Out of Possession
• Line of Engagement: Mid-block. Newcastle is a team that presses aggressively from the opponent's half, but once the first line of pressure is breached, they quickly fall back into a mid-block.
• Defensive Line: Higher. This is to compress the pitch and reduce the space between the defense and midfield, which helps with pressing.
• Pressing Intensity: Much more intense. Newcastle presses opponents intensely to force mistakes.
• Step Up More: The defensive line pushes up to apply the offside trap.
• Trigger Press: Trigger press much more often.
• Team Press: Step up more.
• Trap Outside: force the opponent to play down the flanks where it is easier to win the ball back.
Roles and Individual Instructions
This is where you'll replicate Newcastle's flexibility and asymmetry.
Goalkeeper
• Nick Pope: Sweeper Keeper (Support). He participates in the build-up by positioning himself between the two central defenders to offer an extra passing option when needed.
Defenders
• Left Centre-Back (Dan Burn): Central Defender (Defend). His role is to stay more disciplined and provide defensive security, acting as a "third centre-back" in the build-up. Instructions: Stay Wider, Mark Tighter.
• Right Centre-Back (Fabian Schar): Ball Playing Defender (Defend). He has the freedom to participate in the play with through balls or by carrying the ball forward. Instructions: Close down More.
• Left Full-Back (Tino Livramento): Wing-Back (Support). Livramento stays more disciplined than Trippier and tucks in alongside the centre-backs to form a back three during the build-up. Instructions: Sit Narrower.
• Right Full-Back (Kieran Trippier): Wing-Back (Attack). This is the key role to replicate the team's asymmetry. The wing-back has the freedom to push up, make runs, and behave almost like a central midfielder, just like Trippier. Instructions: Stay Wider.
Midfielders
• Defensive Midfielder (Bruno Guimaraes): Roaming Playmaker (Support). This role allows him to act as the team's pivot, dropping deep to receive the ball and distribute play, and pushing up into the attacking third. He is the team's metronome. Instructions: Move into Channels.
• Right Central Midfielder (Sandro Tonali): Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support). Tonali often drops deep to start attacks, but his role is also to link the defense and attack. This role makes him a crucial connecting element. He must also cover the space on the right wing, forming a lateral chain with Trippier and right winger Murphy. Instructions: Close down More, Stay Wider.
• Left Central Midfielder (Joelinton): Mezzala (Attack). This role perfectly describes Joelinton's movement, as he pushes forward and advances significantly, almost like an attacking midfielder, exploiting the space left open by the winger. Instructions: Close down More.
Forwards
• Right Winger (Jacob Murphy): Inside Forward (Attack). Murphy looks for one-on-ones and runs in behind. He stays wide to stretch the opponent's defense. In the defensive phase, he must press opponents to win the ball back as quickly as possible. Instructions: Roam From Position, Stay Wider, Close down More, Tackle Harder.
• Left Winger (Harvey Barnes): Inside Forward (Attack). Barnes loves to cut inside onto his right foot to shoot or create. Barnes must also press opponents to prevent them from building from the back and, if the first line of pressure is breached, drop back alongside the midfielders. Instructions: Mark Tighter, Stay Wider, Roam From Position, Close down More, Tackle Harder.
• Striker (Alexander Isak): Complete Forward (Attack). Isak has great freedom of movement: he drops deep, moves out wide, and swaps positions with his teammates. The perfect role to replicate all these movements is the Complete Forward. Instructions: Shoot Less Often, Close down More, Mark Tighter, Tackle Harder.

In my youtube video here you can see: 1. Tactical break-down with Tactical board 2. Stats of my savegame with FM24 3, Highlights 4. Tactic creation Guide


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Tactic Analysis: https://sites.google.com/view/fmcalciomaestro/tactic-analysis/english-premier-league-and-championship/analisi-il-newcastle-2024-25-di-eddie-howe
FM24 Tactic https://sites.google.com/view/fmcalciomaestro/football-manager-hub/football-manager-2024/tactics-emulations/il-newcastle-2024-25-su-football-manager-2024

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