Eddie Howe: Coach/ analyst Leyland 'integral' since December arrival
Leyland worked for Liverpool for eight-and-a-half years
Written by Training Ground Guru — April 30, 2022
NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe says Mark Leyland has become an “integral part of our team” since joining in the new position of First-Team Coach/ Analyst in December.
Leyland joined from Liverpool, where he had worked for the previous eight-and-a-half years, latterly as Head of Post Match Analysis. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp had been reluctant to lose him, but did not stand in his way and allowed him to exit without serving his notice period.
Speaking before Saturday’s Premier League match between the two sides, Howe said: "Like all my staff, he (Leyland) has had a big impact He's played a huge part in what we've done this season.
"He's one of a number of people behind the scenes that have put a tireless amount of work in to try and improve the team. We love him to bits and he's been an integral part of our team. I've spoken before about the infrastructure and we do need to improve what we deliver for our players.
“Certain aspects of the club need to evolve and change as we hopefully sign new players and develop the squad as we want to. These things can't be rushed and you have to do it properly so there will be a process that will take time.
“You can't just flick a switch but, hopefully, we will get there. The ambition is certainly there to do it and that's the most important thing."
Klopp added: “They are obviously in a really good moment and Eddie has played a massive part in it. They signed one of our analysts. For sure, he has played a big part as well.”
Leyland previously worked with Howe at Burnley in 2012/13. His remit at Newcastle is to work closely with the manager and his coaching staff to ensure that analysis is impacting training and match preparation/ reflection.
Anderlecht Performance Analyst Richard Bredice told TGG that the role of coach/ analyst is becoming more and more prevalent.
“A new hybrid role of coach-analyst is becoming a lot more prevalent,” he said. “You get somebody who is doing the analysis but spends a lot of time on the grass as well.”
