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Eddie Howe refuses to label Newcastle as a target as they strive to maintain their momentum.
In the span of seven days this month, the team has been eliminated from the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, leaving them with only two competitions to focus on as the new year approaches.
There have been suggestions from individuals outside of the city that the Magpies may be at risk of falling short this season. Some have even speculated that head coach Howe’s position could be in jeopardy.
Howe stated that in his conversations with all individuals involved in the football club and its management, there has never been any external pressure for this or next season regarding league standings or winning competitions. This pressure has solely originated from within the club.
Certainly, there is a desire to achieve something, but I believe there is a distinction between having a goal and having a constant pressure or expectation placed upon you.
All members desire progress. They hope to witness development within the team and, eventually, their focus will shift to measurable goals and specific tasks that must be accomplished.
“Currently, we are starting from a very low starting point, so our main focus is on building and we have been able to do so rapidly.”
“In my opinion, we should strive to accelerate this process, and everything should be completed by tomorrow. However, we must also acknowledge our current situation.”
Howe has been in post on Tyneside since November 2021 having been handed the reins by the club’s Saudi-backed owners just weeks after they completed their takeover.
He first steered Newcastle to top-flight safety and then last season into the top four, in the process cementing his standing with the new regime and endearing himself to supporters who crave success.
He openly admitted that they had achieved one of their goals much sooner than expected. While he does not want to set limitations, he understands the importance of having a broader viewpoint.
Howe stated prior to Saturday’s visit to Luton: “I have confidence that we can accomplish significant goals. I have faith in the team and the individuals within it, so I must maintain a careful equilibrium.”
However, from an external perspective, I do not wish to add stress to the players.
I desire for them to participate in a highly favorable setting, where they can freely showcase their abilities. Within the club, we must recognize that we are still in the process of growth and are at an early stage in our journey.
Howe will wait until the last minute to decide on Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Anthony Gordon, and Alexander Isak before the upcoming game. This game will also be played amidst strong emotions for Hatters captain Tom Lockyer, who is currently recovering from a cardiac arrest suffered during a match at Bournemouth last weekend.
According to Howe, Tom’s family is the most significant aspect, emphasizing the importance of keeping football in perspective.
“His well-being is of utmost importance. Although this is the second time it has occurred, we want to extend our heartfelt wishes from all those associated with Newcastle.”
The Independent is a British online news platform that covers a wide range of topics including politics, business, technology, environment, and more.
The Independent is a digital news website based in Britain that reports on various subjects such as government, commerce, technology, the natural world, and others.