Eddie Howe has been talking ahead of Newcastle United taking on Brighton.
United preparing for their 55th match of the season.
A return to St James’ Park after that narrow defeat to Arsenal.
Newcastle United looking to get back to winning form.
Victories against Man U and Chelsea having been followed by Premier League defeats to Sunderland, Palace, Bournemouth and Arsenal.
Eddie Howe speaking at his Newcastle United pre-match press conference ahead of facing Brighton:
Eddie Howe on meeting the Newcastle United owners at Matfen Hall:
“Constructive…the owners clearly care so much about the club. Long-term planning on a number of levels and there are exciting times ahead, regardless of what happens short-term. The long-term ambition is there and the desire is to get to the top of the Premier League. There is no change in terms of the support and how people are working. I’m pleased with the support for myself. I have to retain that confidence and I have to have that long-term vision, regardless of results. I have never needed clarity on my future. I’m here, I am working hard and I am committed, my motivation levels are high. But I am under no illusions….I have to get results to keep that unity and trust.”
Eddie Howe on Saturday’s Brighton game:
“We need to keep the level of performance where it was against Arsenal. The team looked good, it looked confident, it defended well. I think it was a big upturn. We need to back that up at home, our home form has not been strong enough. A lot riding on this weekend for us.”
Eddie Howe on Joelinton returning from suspension:
“He’s a massive part of what we do. He’s got that will to win and that determination to fight for everything. Every loose ball, every duel. He’s there from the beginning of the game to the end. He’s got that mentality we need more of. When he’s not playing I think we miss something and it’ll be great to have him back available.”
Eddie Howe on Nick Woltemade:
“He’s training well. I think again he’s benefiting from the bigger sessions with 20 players that we’ve missed throughout the season and now we’re beginning to work with him on the things we feel like we needed to earlier in the season but didn’t have the opportunity to. I thought his pass for Yoane was sublime against Arsenal. It was great to see those two link together and looked like it could be a potential partnership for us.”
Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon:
“He did part of a session on Wednesday. It was great to see him back on the pitch. He’s a player of huge quality and one that we’ve missed. We’ll make an assessment on his fitness closer to the game.”
Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa:
“Yoane’s only issue has been the injury he suffered [in September]. When he returned he wasn’t physically able to deliver the quality of performance he traditionally has done in the Premier League. There’s no doubting the quality of the player, but can we get him in a physical condition to deliver his best performances before the end of the season – that’s been the challenge. Since we’ve returned to full team training I think we’ve seen a big lift in his performances because trying to get him fit with small numbers in training sessions is tough. As long as he continues to show that upward trajectory I think we’ll see the very best of him in the future.”