Eddie Howe Plays Down Title Talk and Focuses on Next Game

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe discusses Lloyd's transfer, Fener's public comments, and the team's title chances.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed concerns about the team's upcoming trip to Southampton due to the extreme weather conditions caused by Storm Eowyn. Speaking on Friday morning, Howe said, “Potentially the travel (has been affected), yeah. We'll see how today goes. Our plan, as always, is to travel today. We'll seek advice from the authorities. If it's not safe to fly, we'll fly tomorrow.”

Howe also considered the alternative option of traveling by bus, but ruled it out due to the potential risks and lengthy journey time. He explained, “(The bus) It's a long journey (to Southampton) and there's no guarantee that an eight or nine-hour journey won't turn into a 12 or 13-hour journey. So it's best we look to do that (fly).” The rough weather conditions have already hindered the team's training sessions this week.

The weather conditions at the training ground were quite challenging, with strong winds making it difficult for the players to train. Howe joked, “It is slightly windy today. I struggled to get in! Hopefully, we can find a place that is sheltered enough, we do have a dome here. We will find the safest place.”

On the injury front, Howe provided updates on the fitness of goalkeeper Nick Pope and striker Callum Wilson. He said, ”There's a chance he'll be in the squad. He's started training with the group again and it's great to see Nick back and his presence, the positivity that he brings. I've seen him do some really good things this week, so yeah, delighted to have him back in the mix.”

Regarding Wilson's recovery, Howe stated, “Callum's still on track for returning right at the beginning of February. He's making good progress. We're trying to do the right things with him to make sure that he is robust enough and has all the work behind him and the load behind him before he starts training with the group.”

Howe also shared his thoughts on Wilson's impending return, saying, “But he seems very positive - what a massive player that would be to welcome back.” Wilson's return would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the team.

In other news, Howe confirmed that Miguel Almiron is still a Newcastle player, despite reported interest from Atlanta United in the US.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has addressed the arrival of Lloyd, emphasizing the player's importance to the team. However, Howe also highlighted the challenges Lloyd faces in breaking into the starting lineup. “Lloyd's an integral part of what we're doing from my perspective. His challenge is to try and work his way into the team. He's only just arrived, so I think he's got a lot to achieve here. So, it's a very different situation.”

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman’s return:

"It was a challenge for Sven, he has been magnificent since he returned, he has been thrust into action, by and large he has been excellent. He is one we will look after." pic.twitter.com/Q4EqxiPv0P

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 24, 2025

Howe also responded to comments from Fener regarding Lloyd's transfer. He expressed his disapproval of clubs publicly discussing players contracted to other teams. “Well, I think whenever your players are talked about by other clubs, I don't think that's ideal. And certainly, I try not to do that myself regarding players contracted to other clubs as well.”

Eddie Howe on Southampton challenge:

"It was a really difficult game against a newly promoted team. They showed their qualities that day, they are a very technical team. They have a very aggressive man-to-man style off the ball, so we are going to have to deal with that." pic.twitter.com/4nAHWkU0ym

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 24, 2025

In addition to addressing Lloyd's transfer, Howe downplayed speculation about Newcastle's title chances this season. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the next game rather than getting caught up in external hype. “We've never talked about anything and I think that's important to remember. There's always overreactions to everything, so overreactions to winning, overreactions to losing. Created, of course, by outside influences.”

Howe urged his team to concentrate on regaining momentum and rhythm. He stressed the need to focus on the next game and avoid getting distracted by external expectations. “I think for us we just got to focus on trying to win the next game and finding our momentum again, find our rhythm again, and we need to do that very quickly.”