Eddie Howe’s classy Newcastle United response to Jurgen Klopp question amid previous rant

Eddie Howe has no ill feelings towards Jurgen Klopp, despite the Liverpool manager’s previous comments on Newcastle United.

The German hasn’t been shy to voice his opinion on the Magpies since the takeover of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Partners and RB Sports & Media in October 2021.

Late last year, Klopp took Dan Ashworth’s “no ceiling” comment out of context, and Howe stepped in to defend his sporting director.

Speaking in October, the United head coach said: “What Dan (Ashworth) meant with his comment was there’s no ceiling to our ambition long-term.

“We have huge plans and want to go to places with huge ambitions but the reality of what we are working towards and working with, there is a ceiling because of all the things I have sat here and explained every week: Financial Fair Play, we’re still in a training ground that’s been renovated...We’re not living that life that is being discussed. We are living a very different reality. Our wage bill is very controlled. We’re trying to do things in a very stable and controlled way.

“Although we have spent money on players, it has not been extravagant or out of sync with the rest of the Premier League. Everyone has to be careful with their comments and opinions.”

Klopp’s view certainly rubbed the Newcastle fanbase up the wrong way, but Howe maintains his respect for the 55-year-old, and would be open to sharing a drink with him after tomorrow’s Premier League fixture at St James’ Park.

“Yeah, of course I’d share a drink with Jurgen,” Howe said. “Whether we do it after the game or another occasion, he is someone I respect immensely.”

A lot of water has been passed under the bridge since the two sides met at Anfield in August.

Fabio Carvalho’s injury-time winner sparked an exchange between the two benches before Howe and his players were loudly booed off the pitch.

“Yeah, I remember that night, I remember that reaction,” said Howe. “I don’t think that’s been uncommon for us this year.

“I don’t read too much into that really. The reaction we get from other teams or supporters… sometimes the more negative reaction you get the better you’re doing. I’d probably encourage that more.”

So, do Newcastle want revenge?

Howe replied: “I wouldn’t say we owe Liverpool one, we owe ourselves to do the best we can in this game, and do everything in our power to try and win the match.

“I’m reluctant to use Liverpool as motivation for us, we shouldn’t need that. It should come from ourselves, our league position and our needs and wants to have a successful season.”