Eddie Howe has confirmed that Bruno Guimaraes is ‘fine’ for tomorrow’s trip to the Etihad, shaking off a knock that saw him come off in last weekend’s Carabao Cup final.
Speaking in his press conference just moments ago, the boss also revealed that Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak have impressed in training. The former Everton winger is looking ‘physically strong’ after working hard on his fitness since signing, while Isak is improving every week and ‘close’ to reaching his top level following an impressive cameo on Sunday.
Howe has also delivered some damning comments on Ryan Fraser. He’s confirmed the Scott is now training with the U21a as he prefers to focus on players who are ‘committed to Newcastle’, accepting his future now lies away from St James’ Park.
The manager has also responded to Amanda Staveley’s claims we will win the FA Cup, League Cup, Premier League and Champions League. Howe ‘loves’ her positivity but warns there should be no time limit on this level of success, adding that he’s given no thought to newspaper reports claiming the PIF are not separate to the Saudi state.
Read all of this quotes below, featuring his brilliant comments on his increased motivation levels following heartbreak at Wembley.
Howe on Bruno Guimaraes’ fitness and any other injuries:
“Bruno Guimaraes is fine. He was in a bit of short term pain but nothing that has impacted his training week.”
“No other injuries that I can think of.”
Howe confirming Ryan Fraser has been sent to train with our U21s:
“Ryan is training with the U21s. I made the decision to concentrate on players that are committed to Newcastle for the benefit of the group.
“(Does he have a future at NUFC?) I’d say at the moment, no he doesn’t.”
Howe on Anthony Gordon:
“He’s got a big part to play.
“He’s been working hard in the background because when he came to us he was a little bit short of high end fitness so we’ve done that work with him. He looks physically very strong.
“I’m really excited about what he can do in the rest of the season.”
Howe on Alexander Isak:
“He’s improving with more training sessions and more understanding of what we want from him. He’s still probably not at his optimum but he’s getting close.
“He’s got so much to give us and he’ll add a different dimension to our team.”
Howe on Amanda Staveley’s cup vow:
“I love Amanda’s positivity. I love her outlook. I’ve got no no issue with it.
“With the statements, all I’d say is, from my perspective, there’s no time limit on that. Because I think if we set targets that are maybe too short term, that can have a negative effects can build external pressure, and the players don’t need a place to play free, and not really think too much about the consequences.
“In order to do that, it’s my job to time take the pressure off them. So that’s what I found.
Howe on accusations PIF are controlled by Saudi state:
“I’ve not seen any assurances. To be honest, I’ve not given it too much time. I’m aware of the headlines, seen headlines but haven’t really invested in in the details behind it got Manchester City’s prepared for and that genuinely has taken my focus.
“I do believe that that that message is out there. But I think obviously the focus comes on me because I’m sat in front of you. But I don’t think, as I’ve said many times, it’s a conversation for me to necessarily brief on on these matters, because I’m not really qualified.”
Howe on his motivation to bring success after cup final defeat:
“I felt bruised on Sunday…and Monday. But very quickly, for me, on Monday afternoon it turned to Man City and returned to work.
“I didn’t feel that the passion and the motivation could increase within me, but it has….
“We experienced a great occasion. The passion and love the supporters showed to the team in all moments will stay with me and we want to return that and give them future successes. That burns deeply inside of me.”
Howe on reigniting our Premier League form:
Gordon and Isak both have to start for Wilson and Almiron who seem to have lost all spark.
Would also rest Longstaff for Willock and bring Tag in for Dan Burn.
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