Eddie Howe responds to social media backlash and whether he will step down at Newcastle United
Eddie Howe was grilled by the media this morning as Newcastle United prepare to take on Brentford.
Eddie Howe has told Newcastle United supporters he is “fighting” to turn the Premier League season around.
Just two wins in eight games across all competitions - one of them on penalties against Bournemouth - has left the Magpies sitting 11th. While Newcastle progressed to the Champions League play-off round, a heavy aggregate defeat to Manchester City ended their hopes of retaining the Carabao Cup.
Coupled with a frustrating January transfer window, social media was rife with negativity following the Man City defeat. For the first time as Toon boss, many believe Howe is under pressure to deliver results.
Eddie Howe responds to social media backlash
When asked about the online criticism, Howe - who retains unwavering faith inside the stadium - told NewcastleWorld: “I'm pleased I'm not on social media if it's heated. My message is that we're fighting and I think you can see that on the pitch. The players are giving everything every two, three, four days to try and be successful.
“Wednesday was disappointing. We wanted to give it a really good fight, a really good effort to try and get into the final. The players were hugely motivated and then we conceded early in the game and the game became very difficult.
“But credit to the players for the response in the second half and the fact that we were still going, still trying to score, still creating chances right through the game. And now we've got to do it again and there's no break for us.
“I can assure you the players are maxed out physically, mentally and we obviously see them behind the scenes. And that'll be the same for the staff. We're all trying for success.
It doesn't always go in a straight line, there'll be bumps in the road. As there has been this season, it's been a really challenging season on many different fronts. But we'll give our all to get a positive outcome.”
Eddie Howe on Newcastle United future
Howe also dismissed suggestions that he plans to step down as Newcastle manager at the end of the season. He added: “That's a surprise to me. As I said to the question earlier, I give my best every day. To the football club, to all the players, to the staff. I'll try and be the best version of myself to inspire the team to win games.
“That's the only thing in my thought. I don't tend to look too far ahead and I have done. I'll try and prepare and plan for the club to move forward in every sense. My individual future is not really relevant.”