Eddie Howe has given his thoughts on Sunday’s 4-0 win over Villarreal, hailing Harvey Barnes’ performance and issuing a brief update on Tino Livramento’s imminent move.
The boss believes Barnes showed what he’s all about, praising his pace, positivity, finishing and quality in transitions; with the winger showing his ball carrying qualities and ability to arrive late at the end of attacks.
Howe insists that Livramento’s move to Newcastle is “not done” just yet, but the manager is hopeful he’ll sign before Saturday’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
As for the game itself, Howe was happy with our defensive display, quality on the counter and physicality, feeling there’s “positive signs” on the fitness front that we ended both games strongly. Here’s what he had to say on all of the above…
Eddie Howe on Harvey Barnes:
“It can make such difference when you start well and he made a really good impression today. That is Harvey in a nutshell really.
“He is quick, positive, dynamic, direct and he scores goals. His two finishes were very good. It was really good to see him on the end of two really good team moves. In transitions, he was really good.”
Howe on Tino Livramento:
“Honestly, I’ve got no idea because we’ve been preparing for the two games. I heard little snippets but I believe it’s not done. Hopefully, fingers crossed [he’s signed before Aston Villa].”
Howe on pre-season and today’s 4-0 win:
“I think pre-season has been pretty good. I think we always analyse what the players give and from day one the players have done really well to execute what we have tried to do.
“They have given everything physically. It as been an intense period but I compliment the group. I don’t think that we have quite hit our best levels in terms of performance but today we followed the line of performing well. We were good in defence and good on the counter attack so promising signs from the team.
“We look physically strong. We got better in the latter stages of both games so there’s positive signs regarding our fitness levels.“
