Beaten by biggest rivals Sunderland in the derby, with the added humiliation of seeing them move ahead in the Premier League table, Newcastle endured a nightmare for the final weekend before the international break. And for coach Eddie Howe, it could well have a big impact. Just listen to the words of the club’s boss, David Hopkinson, interviewed on the sidelines of the presentation of the financial results (which are also excellent).
“What I can tell you is that the derby defeat (against Sunderland) was a big blow. We take it very seriously. Nobody says, “It’s just three points, let’s move on.” She had a profound impact on ushe declared, before playing on words to discuss the future of his coach. I wouldn’t put it that way. We are not considering any changes at this time. We don’t have these discussions going on. » According to The Daily Telegraphit was Eddie Howe who would be ready to leave if he felt that popular support had disappeared. However, this is more and more the case after the home defeat against Sunderland, the highlight of a poorly run season so far (12th in the Premier League).
Departures, but at a high price
Appointed on November 8, 2021, Eddie Howe had so far been praised for the work accomplished, with Champions League qualifications, and solid results on the national scene. This is not the case this season, while certain squad executives seem to be mainly concerned about a future transfer. Thus, players like Tonali, Gordon, Livramento and GuimarĂŁes could have a change of scenery this summer. But not at any cost, warned executive director David Hopkinson.
“We do not have a global strategy regarding departures. We are thinking about what players might want this summer. But if a similar situation to Isak arises, any player under contract will leave on our terms and we will make the most of this opportunity for the club. This of course means getting the maximum price. (…) What I know is that players who leave this club will have to do so on our terms”he explained. Thus, for Tonali and Gordon, the highest market values, the requested price would exceed 100 million pounds, or €115 million. Newcastle agrees to restructure its squad, but not under any conditions. Unlike the long Isak soap opera last summer with Liverpool, the club from the north of England will not close discussions with clubs interested in its players.
