Anthony Elanga hears Newcastle United chants as 'huge statement' issued
Newcastle United fans chanted Anthony Elanga’s name during the Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.
Eddie Howe has thanked Newcastle United fans for the support they showed Anthony Elanga during the 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.
Elanga has had a tough start to life on Tyneside following his £55million summer transfer from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.
One assist in 28 appearances best sums up the 23-year-old’s struggles so far, which has forced Howe to defend his summer recruit on more than one occasion.
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Eddie Howe thanks Newcastle United fans for Anthony Elanga chants
It was only last week that Howe called for supporters to show Elanga some love to help get his United career firing, and the St James’ Park faithful emphatically responded against PSV on Wednesday night.
Elanga was introduced as a 72nd-minute substitute and from that point on, the Swede’s name was loudly chanted from the terraces.
Reacting to the reception Elanga received, Howe said: “Yeah, a lovely moment. I just think, again, a massive thank you to the crowd for that because we want to create a football club that's in love with each other. We need the crowd to love the players. We need the players to love the crowd and that relationship is so important.
“That's why I ask the crowd to try and give positive energy in every moment, even when it's really difficult and challenging to do so. I understand the emotions that everyone feels during games.
“That was a huge statement from the supporters. I think Anthony's responded with his performance in the last two games, they’ve been really, really good. I think harmony and unity is so important, so a massive thank you to everyone involved in that.”
Eddie Howe’s Anthony Elanga plea to Newcastle United fans
When discussing Elanga’s last week, Howe cited Joelinton and Anthony Gordon as two examples of why people should be patient with Elanga.
And to help the former Manchester United winger’s cause, Howe asked everyone show him some love.
He said: “I think Anthony will be fine. I think he's an incredible professional. I think my big wish is that he plays in an environment where he feels safe and he feels free to express himself.
“I think there's no denying his ability and the qualities that he can bring to the team. He'll need a bit of time to find his best form but I'm confident he'll get there.
“I think my message to everyone is let's love and enjoy the players that we have and try and help them find their best form and that's the same for everybody.
“We've seen players here, even under my tenure, that have taken a while to find their best rhythm. You think back to Anthony Gordon, Joelinton, there are plenty of examples where it's just taken a little bit of time.
“We see Anthony every day, we see his qualities. He's a unique player, there are many like him and he has serious qualities that we need. So let's bring love to all our players.”