Sandro Tonali - Must-read comments on training, time out and what he's been improving

Watching Eddie Howe's press conference this morning, it was fascinating to hear what he had to say on Sandro Tonali; who will NOT face an extended ban following an FA investigation.

Howe feels the FA have made the "right decision" and was full of praise for the Italian's progress behind-the-scenes, revealing that he's been training superbly and improving his fitness, strength and speed.

The boss admits he's still a "relatively quiet" voice within the group, but insists the 23-year-old has conducted himself superbly during his time out and looks so focused on his football ahead of his return at the end of August.

Howe believes his technical ability, versatility and quality to win us games have been a huge miss this season, adding that the players have been frustrated to see him train so well then be unavailable for selection each week.

Speaking to the media this morning, Howe said: “I think it’s the right decision the FA have arrived at, that his ban isn’t extended. Sandro is currently working hard behind the scenes and training very well.

"We’re still supporting him and helping him as he serves this time. He’s been very good. Very consistent. I see a small part of his life at the training ground and he's a real professional. He's still relatively quiet within the group, but that's not in a negative way. He's very focused on his football and improving his game. You don't necessarily see what's going on (with him) beneath the surface, but I'm sure he's had some really difficult days. He's conducted himself in a really positive way.

"I’ve seen that hunger [to return] there all through the time. He's trained at a really good level and he's trained a lot on his own when we've been preparing for games. A lot of individual work, a lot of fitness work, gym work, we've worked on his speed. We’ve covered loads of aspects of his game to try and help him utilise the time in a positive way."

When asked what we've missed in losing Tonali for the season, Howe added: "We've missed his technical ability, his ability to play in several positions - when you are in a season when you're stretched by injuries, any versatile player who can be used in different ways is hugely important. Just his quality as a player. He would've been a big, big player for us and driven us to some key results.

"I think the players have felt his loss too. That's been a negative for them, to see him train and then not be able to play. So a combination of those things."

Howe also added that we are "assessing options" to give Tonali some game time before his ban comes to an end in late August, confirming the club are "using every tool" to get him match ready and back in the best physical condition ahead of the 2024/25 season. The club are currently unable to say whether or not he will travel to Australia later this month.

The boss was also asked about Tonali's honesty following his gambling issues. "He was instantly very keen to hold his hands up and help everyone uncover it all. He was very sorry for what he'd done and admitted he had issues and needed help. He deserves credit for that - it's not easy in that situation to help the authorities and to admit you've done wrong. That's helped him deal with it mentally to put it behind him and move on with his life."

On Tonali's voluntary pay cut, Howe added: "It was something he wanted to do. He felt the guilt after joining a new club. He wanted to show the club in good faith that he was sorry. All really good signs for the future for us that we have a very good human being and someone who is keen to put it behind him and show all the good he can do for Newcastle United."