by There was a clear message when Newcastle United landed in Dubai for a warm weather training camp last week. With ten games left to play, it was time to reset, recharge and go again.
Eddie Howe has repeatedly pointed out that there is still a lot to play for between now and the end of May and is determined to dispel any negativity. Newcastle are 10th in the Premier League – below the top eight they were aiming for back in August – they are out of Europe, as well as both domestic cup competitions.
But, crucially, as Howe reinforced during a staff meeting in Dubai, Newcastle are still in the hunt for European qualification.
His side are just four points adrift of West Ham, who they entertain at St James’ Park this weekend, in seventh place with a game in hand. All is not lost and a hard and tough campaign can still succeed.
Stop feeling sorry for themselves
Newcastle’s players and staff were able to rest, as well as train hard towards the end of their week in Dubai. It was time to retire, bond as a team and put everything that happened this season behind them.
Sources told Telegraph Sport that most of the first few days were spent unwinding, with players encouraged to play tennis, golf and whatever other pastimes would help them relax. Team bonding events were also organized before intense training sessions over the past three days to ensure fitness.
The initial signs are said to be encouraging. Batteries (mental and physical) are recharged. There is a renewed sense of unity and purpose. Players are smiling again.
Newcastle were in danger of being caught in a negative spiral. Defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final ended their hopes of another season and their season began to unravel in December as injury problems worsened.
Three of the injured players – Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento – are also in good spirits despite the loss of 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley to a back injury. playing for the England development squad this week.
This season has eroded some of the feel-good factor generated by the Saudi takeover in October 2021. However, Newcastle need a positive playing environment to be at their best and Howe wants everyone tackle the next game as the start of a new minor season. do not dwell on past failures.
Keep faith in Howe, for now
It must be emphasized – and this is a sentiment shared by all the main power brokers at St James’ Park on behalf of Saudi chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan – that Howe is not going to be in the job as manager this season.
It must also be pointed out that Howe was told when he was appointed in November 2021 and again the following summer when he signed a new contract, which is understood to run until 2027, that he is being asked to oversee make a long-term project. There is no change in that idea.
However, a poor end to the season would strain that belief and there is always the risk that the Saudis, who dominate all major decisions, will feel short-changed if their club falls further down the table. and ends the campaign looking disheveled and bereft of ideas.
It was an emotional and very deliberate performance from the manager that Howe’s name was called out and chanted during the 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Manchester City before the international break.
However, Howe needs a strong finish to the campaign to prevent the dissenting voices from growing louder and more widespread.
Understandings are important. At the moment Newcastle are being described as a team and a club that have gone backwards since December. Even if he wasn’t removed before May, Howe would have to start next season under enormous pressure.
Protect the defense and goalkeeper
Newcastle have conceded 48 goals in the league this season, which is significantly more than at the same stage of the previous campaign. But since first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder during a 3-0 win over Manchester United at the start of December, the defense has fallen apart.
Howe’s team have conceded 38 goals in the 20 games, in all competitions, that the Pope has been out injured. To make matters worse, centre-back Sven Botman, who has not looked right since returning from a knee injury in December, was ruled out for nine months at the start of the international break, as He now has surgery to repair his ACL. .
Howe has, for the most part, continued to play a high-energy forward pressing system, especially at home, but he must find a way to better protect a defense that lacks mobility and a goalkeeper in Martin Dubravka who does. as well as the Pope when coming off his line or saving shots.
He seemed to find a method in the 3-0 win over Wolves at the start of March, which moved Newcastle into a deeper defensive block, willing to allow the opposition more possession.
This allowed them to attack with speed on the counter, and ensuring that there were not the same gaps to exploit between the defense and midfield. Newcastle don’t have the players to play how Howe ideally wants. Pragmatism is required.
Convince Joelinton to sign a new contract…
Co-owner Amanda Staveley has made negotiations with Joelinton one of her priorities. Convincing the 27-year-old to extend a deal that runs until the summer of 2025 is a big deal. Newcastle need to show they can keep at least some of their best players and Howe has emphasized his importance to his team. Announcing a new contract for one of the club’s most popular players was a huge psychological boost.
Crucial meetings are planned in the coming weeks as Newcastle push for a definitive answer from the player and his representatives before the start of May. If he does not sign a new contract, the 27-year-old will be available for a summer move.
The international break allowed the club’s recruitment team to whittle down a long list of potential summer transfer targets to something approaching a shortlist. But the pool of players Newcastle can look to improve their squad is described as “small and difficult” given the budget constraints imposed by profit and sustainability rules.
…and to appoint a new sports director
Newcastle will have to sell someone before any extraordinary spending is allowed. The appointment of a new sports director is therefore an urgent concern. It is planned to bring in someone before the summer who has a proven track record in recruitment, at academy and senior level.
It is also hoped that a compensation fee can be agreed with Manchester United which will allow former sporting director Dan Ashworth to start working at Old Trafford before the end of his gardening leave, which will continue until the end of 2025. Darren Eales is in charge. these negotiations.
