Newcastle's summer soap opera has finally come to an end, but their quest is not yet complete, and the month-long chase has ended in defeat. Mitchell lamented the fact that, since taking over on July 4, he had always seemed to be on the sidelines of the "established strategy". Nevertheless, he insists that the collective consensus approach is the right one. Mitchell admits that he would have been more comfortable if he had been on board earlier, but his role is limited to providing "assistance" and ensuring that the overall strategy is not interfered with. Some may see this as an excuse, but it is his way of trying to present the facts clearly. "I've learned that it's extremely difficult to follow a set strategy to enter a market," Mitchell says. Mitchell says, "In the end, you realize that you are only providing 'assistance' and not really 'facilitating'." Howe has no reservations about recognizing the players he is targeting, and he is not just looking to fill replacement gaps, but seeks players who will truly enhance the starting lineup. Although Mitchell did not name the player, he made it clear that Howe remains convinced that Guy is the center back who can turn things around, even if other targets are also approved. Even so, Mitchell has hinted at a desire for Newcastle to broaden their horizons in the future market. Mitchell said, "Eddie made it clear that I can't announce in seven weeks' time that 'we're going to do this and we're going to do that' because I'm just a supporting player. Of course, there are other options because it's the responsibility of the department and the team." "That's what got us to this point. Either you sign that player or you don't - and that's because he's happy with the level of players available. You can do multiple deals at the same time and the focus doesn't have to be that narrow. We may be too narrow, but in mid-July I can only offer 'assistance' rather than 'control' through my strategy." Howe agrees with each of his target players that he doesn't just want a replacement center back who can be used in a patchwork fashion, but someone who can substantially improve the starting lineup. Mitchell did not name the players, but he made it clear that even though the other targets have been recognized by the head coach, Howe sees Gay as a center back who can change the team. Nevertheless, Mitchell hinted that he would like Newcastle to widen their search in the market for the future. Eddie Howe's side are unbeaten in all competitions, but this has been the "toughest" period of his managerial career. 90% of fans believe he hasn't had enough support this summer, although around half of them warned that the PSR means it's "not entirely the club's fault". ". Howe said in July that his own "happiness" was key to his stay at Newcastle, and after a difficult transfer window it is clear that the manager did not get everything he wanted. Mitchell is adamant that what Howe calls "relationships" and "boundaries" are being actively worked on. In fact, he firmly believes that as a pair, their visions are "aligned". "The way we look at the game is that we're very aggressive, and that's the way I like my teams to play." Mitchell said. "The type of players we sign - physical, dynamic, but have to be able to be able to control the ball to some extent. We had a good talk about it. It's a working relationship and it takes time. It has to build trust internally. I'm really enjoying the interaction and we're working and learning together. I'm very optimistic because I know why we can adjust." Mitchell said, "The notion that Eddie and I didn't talk in the transfer window is wrong. Up until the last minute he was fully aware and involved. Rightly or wrongly, my thoughts are that there was over-communication. He was up to date with what was going on in the transfer window." Despite Howe publicly stating that he was "not regularly updated" on the exact status of Newcastle's summer transfer dealings during what he described as the most "hands-off" of transfer windows, Mitchell claimed that the pair spoke on a daily basis, often having hour-long phone conversations. Howe's future, England links - and their working relationship Speaking at Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Germany shortly after Mitchell's appointment, Howe detailed the uncertainty he felt following the departures of Staveley and Gudusi and the club's desperate struggle to meet PSR targets. Although Howe and his side remain unbeaten in all competitions, this is still the "most difficult" period of the manager's career. 90% of fans believe he has not received enough support this summer, even though around half of them warned that the PSR means it is "not entirely the club's fault". the club's fault". Howe said in July that his own "happiness" was key to his stay at Newcastle, and after a difficult transfer window it was clear that the manager was not getting everything he wanted. However, Mitchell is adamant that what Howe calls "relationships" and "boundaries" are being actively worked on. In fact, he firmly believes that as a pair, their visions are "aligned". "The way we look at the game is that we're very aggressive and that's the way I like my teams to play." Mitchell said. "The type of players we sign - physical, dynamic, but have to be able to be able to control the ball to some extent. We had a good talk about it. It's a working relationship and it takes time. It has to build trust internally. I'm really enjoying the interaction and we're working and learning together. I'm very optimistic because I know why we can adjust." Mitchell added: "Positive conflict is still healthy and this part of the relationship can't develop exactly the way Eddie or Paul Mitchell did, it has to be a partnership between both parties." "What I've seen of Eddie Howe, what a great coach he is, what he's done on the field is impressive, what I think I can bring to the team and I'm looking forward to seeing where he can take us." However, if that relationship doesn't blossom, then Mitchell will have a major say in whether the head coach should be fired and who should replace Howe in that situation. Mitchell is not the only influential voice in such a discussion, with Irs as well as Rumayan also thought to be influential in this regard. "Am I involved (in hiring and firing firing)?" Mitchell said. "Can I have an opinion? Yes. Should I be able to comment? Yes." Is Europe still a stated goal? In July, chief executive Ilse said, "We want to actually get into European competitions. That's our goal for next season." At that point in time, with plenty of time left in the transfer window, it wasn't a surprise that Newcastle were expecting positive transfers, and even Howe accepted that. However, supporters' optimism is much lower now. Only 5.3% of respondents said they were more hopeful for the new season as the transfer window has closed, while 55.4% felt less hopeful. For Mitchell, while he moderated Iles' statement, the goals haven't changed significantly. Howe's squad may not have been strengthened in the market, but Mitchell sees the return of Tonali, keeping key players fit for longer - new performance director James Bunce has been crucial to this - a less congested fixture list and the head coach's outstanding performances are all reasons why European qualification is achievable. "European qualification is realistic as a goal," Mitchell said. "It has to be a challenge for all of us."
