Newcastle boss Eddie Howe risks backlash by expressing disinterest in Spurs friendly
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed his disinterest in flying to Australia for an end-of-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur. The match is scheduled to take place in Melbourne on May 22, just three days after the final Premier League game of the campaign. Despite the European Championships being around the corner, both clubs are expecting their international players to be involved.
Howe has voiced concerns over the 21,000-mile round trip and believes it is not what the players need after an exhausting year. However, he understands that Newcastle is trying to boost commercial revenues to navigate Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. Despite his reservations, Howe respects the club’s decision and will back it if they say they are going.
The Magpies are desperate to increase their revenues in order to retain their star players this summer. Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, while Arsenal is reportedly considering a move for Swedish striker Alexander Isak. Howe acknowledges that showing ambition and progress is crucial in convincing players to stay on Tyneside, but admits that they may struggle if rival clubs offer them significant wage increases.
While finishing in Europe would certainly help in retaining key players, Howe believes that the club’s future direction and ambition will play a significant role. He emphasizes the importance of not just talking about ambition, but also demonstrating it through actions. Howe intends to keep Guimaraes and Isak for as long as possible, but acknowledges that guarantees cannot be made. If a player is offered double their current wages, it becomes increasingly challenging to retain their services. Howe believes that creating a welcoming and happy environment for the players is crucial in keeping them at Newcastle for an extended period.
In conclusion, Eddie Howe’s apprehension about the long trip to Australia for a friendly against Tottenham has raised eyebrows among Newcastle United fans. However, his concerns about player fatigue and the need to generate revenue to retain star players are valid points. Howe is aware that the club needs to demonstrate progress and ambition in order to convince players to stay, but acknowledges the challenges they may face if rival clubs offer lucrative contracts. Ultimately, Newcastle’s ability to keep their key players will depend on their ability to create a positive and attractive environment for them.