Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Stays Focused on Bournemouth Game

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe discusses the team's record-breaking winning run, plays down transfer rumors surrounding Lloyd Kelly, and previews the upcoming match against Bournemouth.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is bracing himself for an attacking showdown when he faces his former side Bournemouth on Saturday. Both teams have been in prolific form recently, and Howe is expecting an entertaining clash. Speaking about Bournemouth, Howe said: “I like how they play. They have had some remarkable turnarounds in games where they have been losing and have had a late period of momentum to win. Their spirit is undeniable.”

Howe also praised Bournemouth's style of play, suggesting that it will be a closely contested match. “(They are) very difficult to play against, a really good game, two teams with mirroring styles but it will be two teams trying to win,” he said. Newcastle will be looking to continue their record-breaking winning run, but Howe revealed that the team has been taking a relaxed approach to the streak. “We've actually been quite relaxed during this run. We've not focused on it, we've not talked about it internally,” he continued.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is taking a relaxed approach to the team's record-breaking winning run, insisting that the focus remains on the next game. “We've just gone on to the next game. That's certainly not gonna change now, it will just be about Bournemouth and making sure that we perform in the right way,” he said. Howe acknowledged that the team wants to keep the run going, but emphasized the importance of focusing on their performance. “I'm relaxed on these things because I know it's something for everyone to talk about. Of course, we want to win and we want to keep the run going as long as we can but it's always about how we play and that's what we have to focus on.”

Howe praised his players for their mature response to the winning run, saying that they are taking it in stride and focusing on the next game. “The players have been very mature in their response in this winning run, the players are seeing this as an expectation they have rather than surpassing expectations. They are keeping the focus. There is a belief in the squad we have good players, and we can win games, for us it is just about remaining focused and looking ahead to the next game,” he explained.

During his pre-match media conference, Howe was also asked about rumors surrounding Lloyd Kelly's potential transfer to Fenerbahce. Howe dismissed the claims, stating that Kelly has not expressed any desire to leave the club. “Lloyd has not talked to me about leaving the football club. I think he's only just joined and I think there's an understanding from his perspective that he's got to earn the right to play and prove that he deserves to play ahead of other players,” Howe said. He also emphasized that Kelly has been a pleasure to work with and is waiting for his opportunities to play. “Whatever rumours you're hearing are likely from Fenerbahce and not from the player so I want to make that very clear and Lloyd's an important part of what we're doing.”

Eddie Howe on Bournemouth:

"I like how they play. They have had some remarkable turnarounds in games where they have been losing and have had a late period of momentum to win. Their spirit is undeniable. Very difficult to play against, a really good game, two teams with… pic.twitter.com/GNhBv9zqd7

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 17, 2025

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was questioned about the potential departure of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United in the US. However, Howe indicated that Almiron is still expected to be part of the squad for the upcoming game against Bournemouth. “We're expecting him in for training today and as part of our squad tomorrow. With him, currently, anything could happen. But my concern is getting the squad focused for tomorrow's game,” Howe said.

Howe also praised Almiron's professionalism and personality, highlighting his consistent performances in training. “He's been top class. As you know, his playing persona is his personality. He's happy, a brilliant professional. He will come in every day and his training performances, his focus, and his personality has been consistent. I've no issues with him on that side,” Howe explained.

Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of #NEWBOU at St. James' Park tomorrow 🎙️

You can watch today's press conference as live on the Official Newcastle United App 📲 pic.twitter.com/jRyNYlbdeW

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 17, 2025

Regarding the possibility of selling Almiron without having a replacement lined up, Howe acknowledged that it's not an ideal situation. “It's not ideal. I don't think it's ideal from anyone's viewpoint from our side. We don't wanna lose players but we know that there's a reality with PSR and the ongoing managing of that situation,” he said. Howe emphasized that the club may be forced to make decisions based on factors other than football, such as managing the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). “So we've said many times over the last few weeks we'll make more decisions not based on football, but based on decisions that we potentially have to make for the future.”