Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Manchester City at St James’ Park (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
-
Winger Anthony Gordon is very close to full fitness and has worked hard during the international break. Howe said the decision on whether he will be involved this weekend or not will be a last-minute one.
-
He also confirmed midfielder Sandro Tonali is OK after leaving Italy duty early. Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also fine after concerns over the break.
-
Tino Livarmento is another player who is very close to returning and Howe said the full back has trained at the club over the international break.
-
After being inducted into the club’s hall of fame this week, Howe said he finds personal accolades difficult to accept because it should not just be about him as a manager – but he accepted it on the behalf of everybody at the club. He says the evening as a whole gave a great boost before a busy winter schedule.
-
Howe has spent the international break doing a lot of analysis to “try to make sense” of the side’s inconsistent form this season, adding: “Having done the work, I am excited to see what the future will bring. I just want to see us consistently play to a high level.”
-
On Saturday’s opponents and their in-form striker Erling Haaland: “They have threats from lots of different areas so focusing on one isn’t right – but, of course, he is an outstanding goalscorer.”
Follow all of Friday’s Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news
Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Newcastle v Man City at 17:30 on Saturday on BBC Sounds
Listen to Howe’s chat with BBC Radio Newcastle here
