Eddie Howe reacted to the ex-player's confession: I didn't love you at Burnley.

Graham Alexander on his relationship with Eddie Howe

According to The Sun: Eddie Howe is not surprised by Graham Alexander's success as a manager, although he learned that the latter had not thought very highly of him during their time together at 'Burnley'.

This evening, the coaches will meet at 'St James' Park', where the current holders of the Carabao Cup, Newcastle, will kick off their title defense campaign against Bradford.

Graham Alexander, the 'Bantams' manager, was previously an important figure at 'Burnley' during Howe's brief tenure as a manager in 2011.

Before their meeting, Alexander remarked:

“I didn't particularly like Eddie back then, and I'm sure he didn't like me.”

Upon learning of this, Howe responded:

“I really like Graham, so that's news to me.”

“It was a tough situation. I was very young, coming into a new club. My goal at 'Burnley' was to try to change the team and make it younger. The squad at that time was filled with experienced players who had just come down from the Premier League. It was a time for change.”

“I immediately saw Graham as a great winner due to his efforts. He wanted to do everything possible on the pitch. Maybe considering what happened, it was an important learning experience for me. I didn't play enough with him, and I should have trusted him more.”

“I am always very honest in my self-assessment. I made a few mistakes at the beginning of my time at 'Burnley', maybe I should have trusted some of the experienced players more.”

“As for his professionalism and behavior, he was at the highest level.”

“I am not surprised that he became a manager since those qualities were evident even then. He was a leader, setting standards, and it's nice to see his successes. I am really happy for him.”

Alexander also dismissed rumors of any old grudges between them, mentioning their difficult times at 'Burnley' and acknowledging the talent of his former manager.

He added:

“I don't think I helped Eddie and that I managed that whole period correctly. I don't think we were close friends back then.”

“But I remember when I left the club and started my coaching career, one of the first people to send me a kind message was Eddie. Since then, we have kept in touch.”

“He is a great manager. That has already been proven. His results speak for themselves.”

“I am happy for him as he is a good person. It's just a case of two people wanting different things.”

In the match taking place this evening, Graham Alexander will attempt to achieve victory over 'Newcastle', which has been showing impressive results in recent seasons. This encounter promises to be tense and exciting, as both coaches have been developing their teams, seeking new strategies and approaches to the game.