Howe makes fun of “stressful summer” and admits a situation from Isak away from the ideal
Eddie Howe couldn’t help laughing when he was asked about his dead -season – but Newcastle boss quickly admitted that there was little humor behind.
“I was going to give the response to the stock,” he said. “But it was stressful …”
This could say it slightly. Newcastle entered summer without managing director or sports director – a situation that Howe has described as “not ideal”.
Darren Eales resigned last fall for health reasons and has not yet been replaced, while Paul Mitchell confirmed his release in May.
On the market, the Magpies saw several activities fail, missing Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and goalkeeper James Trafford.
Meanwhile, the top scorer Alexander Isak trains far from the team as he pushes a move to Liverpool, who had an offer of 110 million pounds sterling earlier this month.
Situation “ not healthy ” with Isak
For Howe, the absence of the Swedish striker is more than a simple tactical problem – he also assigned the cloakroom.
“I don’t think it’s healthy for us,” said Howe. “I do not deny that it is a big challenge.
“Alex, for me, is one of the best attackers in the world – if not the best. He lacks your team leaves a huge gap. ”
The situation being still unresolved, Newcastle must prepare for its opening match of the Premier League against Aston Villa without him. Howe has recognized that pre-season early morale has taken a hit but says that the team has now adapted.
“I think morale was certainly affected very early during the pre-season,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything to affect this – it was always going to be there.
“When you have such a good player who is not part of your group, it is difficult for players to understand it fully and know what’s going on and how to react.
“But, over time, there has been an acceptance, it’s the team and we have to get the most out of the situation. It has always been my thought.
“Whatever situation you are in, you have to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have advanced and I must say that the group’s atmosphere has been very good in the past two weeks.”
Late transfer progress
Before this week, only Anthony Elaga from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had arrived. But Momentum resumed with the addition of AC Milan Center Malick Thiaw and advanced talks for Aston Villa Jacob Ramsey midfielder in a decision of 40 million pounds sterling.
“I’m really excited by Malick,” said Howe. “I think it’s a great age. He is full of potential and the best of his career is still to come.
“He is an imposing character. He has 6 feet 4 inches, fast, athletic, good on the ball. These types of players are very rare to find. He is also a good character, so I am very excited by what he can bring.
“I like all our signatures. Anthony will bring its unique mixture of rhythm, speed and creativity. Aaron is a real character. We have known him for a long time, but he is a very good goalkeeper.
“I always hope more. I think we need more. We still have big gaps in the team. ”
Howe has confirmed that the replacement of Callum Wilson – which has left its expired contract – remains a priority, with the central center now a “cause of concern” given the situation of the Isak.
“We are trying to replace Callum for some time,” he said. “He was such a good servant for us and, of course, we had problems with Alex’s situation this year, so that this position is certainly a source of concern.”
Hunger more success
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa is one of the options that Newcastle plans. For the moment, Anthony Gordon should lead the line against Villa – not an ideal scenario, but Howe remains focused on building the progress of last season, which saw the qualification in the Champions League and a first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
“When you experience it and have the feeling of winning, you think it will be great but, let me tell you that the experience is even better than I thought,” he said. “It makes you more hungry for more.
“It makes you appreciate the role you play, the work you do and the ability to affect people around Newcastle as we did.
“Our appetites are sharp. We are desperate with more success, but we know how difficult it is and we know the challenge that awaits us with each team of the Premier League which becomes better and stronger. We will have to do the same.”
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