15 March 2024 , 12:16
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Eddie Howe has demanded his under-fire Newcastle stars answer “the anger” of fans who accused his side of having no heart, passion or energy.
The Toon coach has hit back at Jamie Carragher who claimed United players were “ready for the end of the season” after Monday night’s defeat to Chelsea, a performance which the Liverpool legend described as “not acceptable.” That game sparked an emotional response from a section of Geordies disgruntled at a run of 14 points 14 games in the Premier League.
Howe has assured supporters that he blasts his players in private if necessary, but will continue to defend them in public. Newcastle face a cup showdown with Manchester City needing to improve their defensive record to stand any chance.
Asked about fans being angry this week, Howe said: “No I was not aware. Am I surprised? No I am not. We are in a results driven business and I wasn’t happy. I was angry after the game. There was a lot of internal reflection."
When told his players has been branded spineless with no heart, passion or energy, Howe admitted: “It is not nice to hear. Especially after what we stood for last season. I think we were the absolute opposite of what you have quoted.
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“But I understand emotional responses to games. I am sure the poeple who have written those words mean them. Now it is up to us to answer them. The message would be support the team, the players on the pitch, leave any anger and resentment - those type of emotions - for me.”
Howe gave a fascinating insight into how he is managing the Toon’s dip this season, saying he doesn;t believe in slaughtering his stars after games. He added: “I get the fascination with how angry I am. I understand it because there’s a need for a reaction, but I don’t necessarily believe in that style of management. I
“I believe in accountability and making your players aware of their roles and responsibilities. Before you rant and rave and start saying things you regret, which is very easy to do in this job... and I have done it previously but then you’re thinking, ‘now I’ve got to unwind what I’ve just said’, and I don't believe in that style of management.
Your turn! Do you agree with Jamie Carragher? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
Eddie Howe was unable to stop Newcastle from losing at Chelsea (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)“I’ve learned from that, it’s probably not wise to do it, so I’ll do it in a more controlled way but certainly let the players know I’m not happy. The biggest power I have is team selection – if you’re not performing well, you’ll come out of the team.
Howe was “unaware” Sky pundit said his side had chucked it in for the season and added: "I don't like to hear that. I didn't know he had said that, but he is entitled to his opinion. That's not how we are internally. That's not how we're working.
“Our training standards and intensity are still there. We're determined to end the season well - regardless of what happens tomorrow. No part of us is thinking ahead - too far ahead anyway. I think it’s my job to support the players in the media, 100%.
“That’s always been at the very forefront of my mind when I’m speaking to anyone external. I love my players, I want to help them in every way. In their life and in their careers. Behind the scenes I will let them know in no uncertain terms if I’m not happy and they’ve got to do more. Have no fear about how I interact with the players behind-the-scenes.”