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Eddie Howe makes public Newcastle United Christmas plan – Press Conference

2 years ago
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Eddie Howe had a lot to cover at his latest press conference.

The Newcastle United Head Coach speaking four days ahead of playing Man Utd on Monday.

Eddie Howe revealing the plan for how he and the club are approaching Christmas.

With Newcastle United having their Boxing Day match moved to the night of the 27th, he is allowing the players to train individually on Christmas day so they can spend a bit more time with family, then back to the training ground on Boxing Day.

Eddie Howe revealing a clean bill of health in terms of no Covid cases and insisting he has always wanted games to go ahead.

The NUFC boss speaking for us all when saying the use of VAR isn’t quite meeting expectations…Newcastle United having written to the Premier League with their concerns.

Some positive news on Jamal Lewis in particular, when he came off injured at Liverpool it was feared he’d be a long-term casualty but Eddie Howe thinks he will be back playing before the end of January. Whilst Federico Fernandez shouldn’t be far behind the left-back, according to Howe.

Eddie Howe on the festive schedule:

“We’ll ask the players to follow the guidelines but we also want them to enjoy their Christmas.

“They’re human beings and we want them to enjoy their time with their loved ones and look forward to a great game against Manchester United.

“They’ll train individually on Christmas Day.

“The way the week has gone, we have trained and prepared but with the game being a day later we think it’s right, and within our schedule, to let them spend Christmas with their families.

“They will be working just in an individual way.”

Eddie Howe on VAR:

“When VAR was introduced I think it was used regularly to try and get the right decision because that’s what we’re all after.

“I think the use has been diluted and I don’t see it effectively intervening as much as it did in a positive way.”

Eddie Howe on fixture postponements:

“I’ve always said I want to play.

“My point has been that for the benefit of the league you want a level playing field.

“It’s a tough challenge for the Premier League with postponements but the integrity of the competition is fundamental.”

Eddie Howe on Covid cases:

“We have a clean bill of health currently and we’re going though our testing every day. With the current infection rate around the country, we’re doing well at the moment to stay clear of it.”

Eddie Howe on Federico Fernández:

“It’s a difficult one to put a timescale on but it’s weeks rather than months.

“We’ll wait and see how he responds.

“He’s definitely going to be out of the Christmas period and most of January but he’s working hard and improving every day.”

Eddie Howe on Jamal Lewis:

“I don’t think it will be too long.

“It’s not a major injury but it’s enough to keep him out of the festive period and some games in early January.

“Hamstring strains are usually 3-4 weeks minimum and I think that’s probably where he’ll be.”

Eddie Howe on Ralf Rangnick:

“I have had a couple of conversations with him over the years and he is someone I highly respect and admire.”

“He is one of the culture change managers who have brought in a lot of new ideas that a lot of people have followed.

“A definite pioneer.”

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