Eddie Howe is under increasing pressure at Newcastle United (Image: Getty Images)
Eddie Howe didn’t shy away from a post-match lap of thanks at the final whistle against Bournemouth, despite suffering a third successive Premier League defeat. But that lap became shorter with each passing week, and after being booed from the Gallowgate End after the end of the game against Sunderland, this time Howe and the Newcastle United coaching staff stopped well before reaching the final third of the pitch as supporters began to be removed.
Howe vowed to keep fighting in the build-up to the game and hoped his team would buy into that mindset. However, those promises turned out to be empty promises, and this loss once again exposed serious problems within the team. Nick Woltemade, who was signed for a record £69m for the club, is far from earning a starting place in his natural position, Yoan Ouissa, signed for £55m, turned up alone and departed alone without featuring, and too many players have given up.
Speculation subsequently emerged that Mr Howe had been detained by Thun authorities to explain the results. These claims are believed to be inaccurate, and Howe is instead conducting a regular post-match review with sporting director Ross Wilson and performance director James Vance.
However, crisis talks are expected to take place at the end of this season. The pre-match plan was for a sober analysis of Howe’s performance as manager to take place once the campaign was over. And with five games remaining, it looks like this will continue to be the case.
The constant jeers were clearly audible to CEO David Hopkinson and Mr. Wilson, who sat in executive seats. For Saturday’s match, Wilson was seated alongside Jack Ross, the club’s head of football strategy and former Sunderland and Hibernian manager.
As it stands, a performance review is scheduled for the end of the season. Howe was unequivocal in his assessment, telling reporters: “We’re not giving what we want and we have to accept that. I’m starting to say the same thing, but it’s a huge frustration for all of us. The players feel that frustration as well as everyone else.”
The concern on Tyneside at the start of the year was that their cup form was simply masking deeper problems. Man City ended both their FA Cup and Carabao Cup campaigns a few weeks ago, but their Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona shined a harsh light on the team’s true state.
Newcastle’s highest ranking in the Premier League this year was 6th after a 4-3 win over Leeds. But since then, Newcastle have picked up just two top-flight wins at St James’ Park. They have lost eight of their last 11 Premier League games, more than any team in the division since then.
The Premier League’s formidable standings also paint a grim picture, with Newcastle currently in fourth-bottom place, level with Wolves on points since Round 23, and only goal difference above them above the relegation zone.
After the match, players were left listening to music as they made their way to Newcastle’s exit. Thun players will now have the option to bypass reporters and one designated player will be brought forward to speak to the media after the match.
Kieran Trippier accepted the responsibility after the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth and admitted that he was responsible for the criticism. “We’re very disappointed and frustrated, especially the way we conceded the second goal,” Trippier said after the game.
“As a senior player, I will accept any criticism. In the last few seasons we have been a real force at home, but this year we have been lacking. We have to start winning quickly. We have injuries in the dressing room at the moment, and we understand the supporters. But we have to stick together.”
