Eddie Howe was not a happy man after Newcastle's shock 2-3 loss against Brentford, and he made his feelings clear with an explosive statement against his players. Newcastle are having an underwhelming season so far, as the Magpies are currently 12th in the Premier and look likely to miss out on a Champions League qualification spot by the end of the Premier League season.
It can also be argued that Newcastle have still been unable to replace their star man Alexander Isak this season, who left to Liverpool for a British-record transfer fee. Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, the Alexander Isak replacements signed by Newcastle, have had a decent start to their Newcastle careers. However, they both haven't been anywhere near to the levels that Alexander Isak displayed during his final season with the club.
Eddie Howe gives explosive statement on his Newcastle players after Brentford loss
During his post-match press conference, Eddie Howe admitted that his Newcastle team are going through a dip in form, and then came the surprising part where he mentioned that only a handful of players are currently performing at their best.
The following were his exact words regarding his own performance and his brutal swipe at his players:
"There's a harsh reality for me," Howe said. "I think I have to think long and hard about - not my effort, because I can't question that - but I have to work better, do more. I have to take responsibility for everything you see on the pitch. I have got to work out solutions.
"I also of course have to ask the same of the players. I have to ask them to be really honest and look at their best levels, and judge them against that now in this current moment.
"I don't think there are too many who can say they are playing their best. That then gives us growth to improve."
These are undoubtedly words from a manager who's under immense pressure, and he's now directly attacked some of his players with such direct criticism. Newcastle are currently in a tough spot, which was even more evident when St James’ Park supporters voiced their frustration by booing Newcastle off the pitch at both half-time and full-time during the Brentford game.
Our opinion on Newcastle's performance this season
In our opinion, what's happening with Newcastle this season is an exact repeat of what occurred when they were in the Champions out previously. An Eddie Howe is one where all the players will need to have a huge work-rate, and the issue here is that Newcastle have such a thin squad at the moment that can't keep up with a tight schedule that includes both Premier League and Champions League fixtures. This is exactly why they over perform in seasons where there is no UCL and struggle in the ones that have them.
Although there is no doubt that Eddie Howe deserves blame as well, especially for losses like the Brentford one, the main issue here is his playing style can only reach its full potential if Newcastle provide him a squad that's filled with depth and quality. Newcastle have the richest owners in the Premier League, but they aren't able to invest the money they want into transfers due to their financial restrictions.
We'll have to wait and see where things are after the end of the season. If it continues like this, there is a high chance Eddie Howe unfortunately ends up getting sacked by Newcastle.
Also Read |
