Paulo Fonseca – Style of play he’d bring to Newcastle United and which managers have inspired him

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Newcastle United have been heavily linked with Paulo Fonseca in recent days.

On Wednesday, the Daily Mail claimed that the 48-year-old was a “serious contender” for the Magpies job.

The 48-year-old held a Zoom call with members of the club’s new-look hierarchy and talks were positive, added the report.

Similarly, The Telegraph has deemed Fonseca one of the front-runners for the role and is thought to have support from Amanda Staveley.

Sky Sports has also reported on Newcastle’s apparent interest in Fonseca, claiming he’s the front-runner for the job.

And in the early hours of Thursday morning, Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the Magpies’ purported pursuit of the Portuguese:

Here is some information about Paulo Fonseca and why he’d be a good fit for Newcastle.

Paulo Fonseca’s managerial career

Fonseca boasts plenty of managerial experience with the likes of Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto.

Currently a free agent, his last job was at Roma, joining the Giallorossi in 2019 and leaving this summer.

Fonseca led Roma to the fifth place in Serie A in his first season, as well as the semi-finals of the Europa League the following year.

His time at Shakhtar Donetsk was especially successful.

Fonseca won the Ukrainian league and cup double in his three seasons with Shakhtar, plus a Ukrainian Super Cup.

Prior to joining Shakhtar, Fonseca previously enjoyed spells at Sporting Braga, Pacos Ferreira, Porto and several other Portuguese sides.

He has nine trophies to his name – seven with Shakhtar, a Portuguese Cup with Braga, and a Portuguese Super Cup with Porto.

Paulo Fonseca’s coaching philosophy

When Roma appointed Fonseca in 2019, they published an article featuring a number of quotes about his style of play and inspirations.

“My coaching philosophy? Well, I have very clear ideas – ideas I think you can see in my teams,” he said.

“That involves having the ball, taking the initiative and being an offensive team. These are the aspects that define my game and my aim in matches.”

He also said: “I don’t like just to win. I like to win playing well, dominating games.”

Paulo Fonseca’s managerial inspirations

“Right now, I can highlight Maurizio Sarri and Pep Guardiola as the coaches I admire the most,” he continued.

“Because they are bold, they have their own ideas, they are brave enough to play their own game and attack.

“Now, we can’t forget that Jose Mourinho has marked a generation of coaches in Portugal and marked Portuguese football.

“He completely changed the mindset of Portuguese coaches and he’s obviously been a great influence [too].”