Inconsistent Newcastle Leaves Howe with Dismal Outlook

Coach Expresses Frustration Over Team’s Performance

Eddie Howe, the head coach of Newcastle United, shared his discontent with the unpredictability of his squad, stating it creates a “dreadful feeling.” Following what he believed to be a turning point after a victory against Manchester City and an unbeaten streak, the recent 1-0 loss to Sunderland has shaken his confidence.

A Subpar Showing Against Sunderland

Newcastle’s disappointing display at the Stadium of Light resulted from Howe’s decision to adopt a more conservative approach rather than a dynamic one. Currently, they are positioned 12th in the Premier League and have only secured one win in their last away matches since mid-April. Howe appeared visibly upset as he evaluated his team’s performance, which has been marked by inconsistency.

“Feeling this way is awful because I want my players to go out and give everything they’ve got for a positive result,” Howe reflected on Tuesday. “That’s what I ask for. I trust their capabilities once they’re on the pitch ready to perform.”

Howe expressed concern about the several instances this season where he has felt uncertain about the team’s mentality, emphasizing the importance of players understanding their responsibilities to themselves and their families while competing.

Need to Regain Focus

The coach asserted that although the team needs to find their footing again, it is crucial to learn from past mistakes. Howe stated, “We’ve lost some of that drive, and it lies with us to rediscover it.”

Upcoming Challenges Ahead

Newcastle has historically shown a pattern of bouncing back after disappointing defeats, such as those against Brentford, West Ham, and Marseille. This trend needs to change as they prepare to face Fulham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes acknowledged that true recovery from the previous week’s poor performance may not occur until the next derby matchup in March, describing their last outing as chaotic.

Howe noted the importance of dialogue among players but emphasized that preparation is paramount. “Bruno had most of it right, but we were not a mess; we simply failed to deliver the performance we aimed for,” he stated. He also mentioned the necessity of aligning their message to the public, focusing on improving future performance rather than dwelling on the past.

Injury Concerns

In a setback for the team, influential defender Dan Burn will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a rib injury sustained during the derby clash.

Newcastle must rally to overcome these challenges as they seek to stabilize their season.