Fabian Schar speaks out about his love for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe in particular | OneFootball

Fabian Schar is arguably the player who more than anybody, demonstrates the gulf in quality that exists between Eddie Howe and Steve Bruce.

The central defender was a brilliant Rafa Benitez signing in summer 2018, the then Newcastle United boss tipped off that Schar had a £3m release clause that could be triggered.

Fabian Schar starring under Rafa at United as despite Mike Ashley refusing to allow the Spaniard to properly invest in the squad, only six Premier League clubs conceded less goals than Newcastle in the 2018/19 season.

Ashley then forced out Rafa Benitez and almost Fabian Schar as well, as the clueless Steve Bruce regularly preferred the likes of Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles and even at times, midfielder Isaac Hayden, over the talented Swiss international.

Thankfully, new owners and Eddie Howe came along to rescue Fabian Schar and indeed, everybody who cares about Newcastle United.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Fabian Schar a key player these past three and a half years, doing at least as much as any other player to bring about this transformation in United’s fortunes.

Eddie Howe having the now 33 year as first choice throughout these years, including this most recent season when Newcastle won the League Cup and qualified for the Champions League.

Two months ago, Fabian Schar agreed a contract extension (see below) until 30 June 2026 and now he has been talking to Swiss media about Newcastle United and in particular Eddie Howe:

Fabian Schar talking to NZZ – 5 June 2025:

“The cup win was incredible.

“I will never forget it.

“Everyone knew that the end of Newcastle’s trophy drought would be celebrated.

“But when it actually happened and I saw it for myself, it was a completely different experience.

“I let the moment sink in and realised that this isn’t an everyday occurrence.

“Experiencing this joy was very meaningful to me.

“I have been at Newcastle United since 2018 and feel an enormous connection to the city and the club.

“I wanted to give something back to everyone.

“That is why the relief after the final whistle in the game against Liverpool was so immense.”

Fabian Schar and Eddie Howe:

“It is extremely important that I feel the manager’s affection and that I enjoy his trust.

“I felt that 100 per cent with Eddie Howe from day one.

“It has made me a better player over the past few years.

“He knows me very well, both as a player and as a person.

“He knows what I can offer a team.

“He makes that possible.

“The manager [Eddie Howe] understands how to incorporate the individual strengths of each player into our game.

“For me, that is [also] opening up the game, which he encourages.

“If I never scored a goal, he would tell me to stop.

“I have always been a dangerous player in front of goal.

“The attacking mindset is part of my game.

“I am more likely to look for a finish than a cross.”

“When I extended my contract [in April 2025], I couldn’t imagine another club.

“I am a player who appreciates what I have.

“I would like to play football for another two or three years and so I am not thinking about retiring just yet.”

Newcastle United official announcement – 3 April 2025:

‘Newcastle United defender Fabian Schär has extended his contract at St. James’ Park until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 33-year-old is one of the first team squad’s longest-serving current players having joined from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruña in July 2018.

Known for his exceptional passing range as much as his defending, the Swiss centre back has made 221 competitive appearances for the Magpies, scoring on 19 occasions.

His goals include a number of eye-catching long-range strikes over the years, including a sensational goal in Newcastle United’s 4-1 win over Paris St. Germain in the Champions League in October 2023.

Fabian was also a key member of the squad that lifted this season’s Carabao Cup, scoring twice and providing an assist on the road to Wembley before playing the full 90 minutes in the cup final.

Fabian said: “I’m buzzing to extend my stay here. It’s been a very good few weeks for everybody at Newcastle United after winning the Carabao Cup and I’m really happy now to sign another contract with this amazing club.

“It’s my seventh season here and everybody knows how happy I am at the club and how comfortable I feel in the city, so I’m really glad to be continuing that.

“Now it’s about looking forward and finishing the season as strong as possible.”

Newcastle United head coach, Eddie Howe, said: “Fabian has been outstanding in my time at the club. As well as his performances on the pitch, he has shown a fantastic attitude in the group.

Paul Mitchell, the club’s sporting director, said: “We are pleased to extend Fabian’s contract.

“He has played a significant role in the club’s growth in recent years and continues to have an important role to play on and off the pitch.