After issuing some early team news ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, Eddie Howe spent this morning’s press conference discussing a host of off-field topics that have been making the headlines in recent days.
Howe started by sending his thoughts to Christian Atsu’s family after news that the Newcastle United winger has still not been found following devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
The boss described the Ghanaian as a ‘great lad’ who he ‘really, really enjoyed’ working with at Bournemouth and admits to the situation is ‘hugely worrying’ as we hope and pray for good news.
Howe then spoke with excitement about the potential expansion of St James’ Park after the club bought back the Strawberry Place site earlier this week, insisting he’s “fully behind” a bigger capacity and potential fan zone outside the stadium.
He also confirmed that filming has taken place following reports of a behind the scenes Amazon documentary, also discussing the crazy demand for tickets to Wembley; which have seen him receive texts from people he doesn’t know!
Asked about Man City’s alleged financial breach, he insisted that FFP remains an obstacle for the club, but also something he doesn’t fully understand, accepting that our revenue streams would have to increase ‘dramatically’ for spending limitations to be lifted. Here’s what he’s had to say on all of the above…
Howe on Christian Atsu:
“Hugely worrying. Really, really enjoyed working with Christian. Great lad, great player. Our thoughts are with him and his family. We hope for good news. We’re really concerned for his welfare.
“It’s been difficult because there has been conflicting stories about his whereabouts. It’s been tough and I can’t imagine how his family is feeling. We wish him and hope for a positive ending.”
Howe on reported Amazon documentary:
“It’s been a different season – we have had cameras following us all season. There’s been a big step up in that respect. That’s the way football is going – people want to know what’s going on behind the scenes.
“From my side there’s always a line you don’t want to cross, intimate things that happen in a changing room or team meeting that I feel should stay in house. But we’re prepared to give access to people as long as it’s discussed, planned and briefed.”
Howe on expanding St James’ Park:
“St James’ Park is an unbelievable place to play football. To be part of that experience every week is a brilliant thing.
“Anything we can do to enhance the experience I’m fully behind. If there is an opportunity to expand, I don’t think we’d have a problem selling tickets.
Howe on Wembley tickets:
“I’ve had requests from all sorts of people. People I’ve never met! I’ve been getting text messages from people where I don’t know their number: ‘Can you get me a ticket?’
“I’d urge the players to not get distracted. The focus has been purely on Bournemouth.”
Howe on Man City’s alleged FFP breach:
“Let’s see what happens from the investigation.
“Hopefully it gives a greater understanding to our methods and how we act in the transfer market.
“I’ve always said that FFP is real for us. I don’t quite understand how it fully works – I am led by the people above me to say what we can and can’t do.
“But it’s been there and will continue to be there for us, unless we can dramatically change our revenue streams – that’s the way football is going.”
Howe on Joelinton and his family holding a gender reveal at SJP:
“It was a brilliant thing. He’s an incredible person. Great moment to see the stand in the background, the blue flames. The photos will live with his family forever and a symbolic moment in his career.“
