Despite a much-needed flurry of signings this week, the Alexander Isak situation still looms over the club like a dark cloud.
Almost certain to miss out at Aston Villa, the striker’s absence will have no doubt drastically altered our pre-season plans, and has forced Howe to rely on Anthony Gordon up top for the opening run of games.
The boss has been speaking to the media in the build-up to Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off at Villa Park, with The Times and BBC Sports chatting to Howe prior to his press conference this morning.
In a big interview with The Times‘ Matthew Syed, who visited the training ground to speak with the manager, Eddie was asked “is the situation irretrievable?”, regarding Isak’s future.
Howe’s response was interesting, offering some hope that we “might be able to change things” if communication re-opens and the striker can remind himself that he’s still with a “very special” team and club:
“The word ‘irretrievable’ isn’t really in my dictionary. Communication is going to be the key and at some stage we might be able to change things.
“At the moment we are in a position where that’s not possible, but I like to think that we will be able to reassess as we go. That he will always recognise that this is a very special team and a very special club.
“It’s been a tough period because a lot of the media attention has been negative, which is difficult on the players. The narrative spreads.
“We are trying to challenge that and to say to the squad, ‘We are OK.’ Yes, we are currently minus one massive player, but we don’t yet know how that situation will change. Everyone here is fully committed and that is great.”
On Isak’s absence, the gaffer also told BBC Sport that the situation was not healthy for the group earlier in pre-season, with his absence raising early questions that weren’t easy to answer initially:
“I don’t think it’s been healthy for us, I don’t deny that’s been a big challenge.”
“Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world – if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.”
“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what’s going on and how to react.”
But even lacking that world class striker, Howe insists that the squad is truly united, despite a tough start to pre-season outside fears that the group could be deflated:
“I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season. There was nothing I could do to affect that – it was always going to be there.
“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what’s going on and how to react.
“But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That’s always been my train of thought.
“Whatever situation you’re in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I’ve got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks.”
Howe wants more success after cup glory
“When you experience that and you have the feeling of winning, you think it’s going to be great but, let me tell you, the experience is even better than I thought it would be…it does make you hungrier for more!
“It does make you appreciate the role you’re doing, the job you’re doing, and the ability to affect the people around Newcastle in the way we did.
“Our appetites are whetted. We’re desperate for more success but we know how difficult it is and we know the challenge that awaits us with every team in the Premier League getting better and stronger. We’re going to have to do the same.”
I know this is gold dust to this site but I’m sick to the back teeth of this whole Isak saga
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
I was looking forward to seeing him score against the Mackems. Imagine having that opportunity and bugging out?
Geordie Jones(Quote)