Newcastle’s Inconsistency Frustrates Howe: A ‘Horrible Feeling’
Newcastle United’s inconsistency has caused frustration for head coach Eddie Howe, who described the feeling after recent setbacks as “horrible.” This season has seen the team face disappointing defeats, including losses against Brentford, West Ham, and Marseille. Those results have prompted concerns about their performance and approach to critical matches.
Upcoming Challenge Against Fulham
Newcastle is set to confront Fulham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. This pivotal match will take place at St James’ Park on Wednesday. Howe is eager for his players to regroup and deliver a strong performance after the latest defeat.
Captain’s Perspective
Bruno Guimaraes, the captain of Newcastle, provided insight into the team’s struggles. He acknowledged that true redemption may not come until their next Tyne-Wear derby in March. Guimaraes described the recent performance as a “mess,” highlighting the urgency for improvement.
Howe’s Response
In response to Guimaraes’ comments, Howe emphasized the importance of preparing for future matches. He noted that while discussions off the pitch are significant, they cannot replace the need for on-field execution. Howe stated, “We weren’t a mess—we were very well organised. We just didn’t deliver the performance that we wanted.”
Team Injuries
Adding to Newcastle’s challenges is the absence of key defender Dan Burn. He suffered a serious injury, including a broken rib and a punctured lung during the recent derby. Burn is expected to be sidelined for a period of four to six weeks, further complicating Newcastle’s efforts to regain form.
Looking Forward
Newcastle must shift their focus quickly. The team recognizes that they can only influence future outcomes, not the past. With a tough match ahead against Fulham, the players are motivated to turn their fortunes around.