Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media following last night’s 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, where Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy got on the scoresheet before Espanyol equalised late on.
But perhaps the big takeaway from Friday night came in Howe’s post-match press conference, where the visibly tired and frustrated boss made some bombshell comments on Alexander Isak’s situation, which continues to plague our pre-season.
Howe revealed that it’s “clear” he can’t and will not be involved in training sessions with the squad following discussions with the player, also revealing that his absence is distracting the group.
Isak is “training later than the rest of the squad” and has already been all but ruled out of next Saturday’s opener at Aston Villa, despite Howe admitting that the 25-year-old does NOT have a fitness issue.
It’s a total mess, unfair on Howe and, reading between the lines, feels like a situation that won’t be resolved anytime soon as the player continues to detach himself from Newcastle United:
“We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group.
“I don’t know how long that will be for. It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment. I don’t know when that will change. It’s frustrating we’re missing such an important part of our team.
“He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour and everything that happened in between that. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.
“He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our persecutive, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen
“He doesn’t have a fitness issue. I’m aware of a feeling within the squad that there’s something there not to the benefit of the group.
“I want Alex to be playing today. I want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us, let me make that absolutely clear. There is no part of me that does not want that outcome – but I don’t see the current situation changing before Aston Villa.”
Damning comments that suggest the current standoff that doesn’t look like changing any time soon – perhaps not until we sign two strikers, Liverpool arrive with an acceptable bid or we find a way to keep him for another season!
The boss also admitted that Isak’s situation has caused some distraction behind the scenes and an unwanted talking point.
When Isak goes I will be surprised if he can get his head out of the door, definitely not a team player. it is actually the team that have provided the platform for him to showcase what he has.
The disinterest he has shown with both body language and performance has been very evident since the Cup final.
Eddie Howe is being very diplomatic as usual, but I bet under the current circumstances he can’t wait to get rid of this disgraceful and disruptive individual.
Joseph(Quote)
No way back for him the manner in which he has gone about this is terrible … Liverpool can have him for the cash ..but they must be wondering if this behaviour is a good sign.. 🙈
Mike(Quote)
Eddie is just a class act. Whatever happens I’m a fan. Couldn’t have a better manager.
David Sheldon(Quote)