Following our victory against Rangers, Eddie Howe has been speaking about Martin Dubravka’s future, Sandro Tonali’s debut and Lewis Miley’s promising start to pre-season.
Dubravka has been linked with a permanent move away from Tyneside since Nick Pope’s arrival last summer and has missed recent friendlies against Gateshead and Rangers, but Howe has described the Slovakian as a ‘big part’ of his plans.
On Tonali, the Italian looked superb on his first start, showing his class throughout and playing a key part in the build-up to our first goal. Howe ‘loved’ what he saw from our new £52m man, feeling he instantly ‘looked at ease’ in our midfield.
The boss has also rubbished reports (mainly from the Italian press) that Tonali had to be ‘dragged away’ from Milan, saying the 23-year-old is “very, very proud” to be here and made it clear from the outset that he was keen on a move to St James’ Park.
As for Miley, Howe praised the midfielder’s athleticism and defensive contributions, believing the 17-year-old ‘grew into the game’ and has a lot to offer both physically and technically. Here’s what the boss had to say on all of the above, starting with his comments on Tonali:
Howe on Tonali – “I loved what I saw. I thought he looked really calm and composed. That doesn’t surprise me, because that’s why we signed him, but he instantly looked at ease in the team and I think he enjoyed playing with the players around him.”
“I think that the Italian reports [claiming Tonali had to be ‘dragged away’ from AC Milan against his will] were totally… misguided.
“Sandro Tonali is very, very proud to be here, proud to wear the shirt and represent the club. That was made very clear to me very early, otherwise we wouldn’t have committed to the transfer.
“We don’t have any kind of desire to drag anyone to Newcastle. They have to want to run here with no shoes on. That is the mentality we want, because you have to have that togetherness, spirit and desire to do well. That can only come from a desire to play for the club.
Howe on Dubravka – “Martin is a big part of what we’re doing. He was slightly later back than some of the other players and that’s why he hasn’t featured yet.”
Howe on Miley – “He did really well. He grew into the game and made some vital interceptions and defensive contributions.
“Athletically, I think he’s really good – he moves well and covers the ground. He’s a good size and technically excellent.”
