Howe details Nick Pope's emotional dressing room response to missing cup final
Nick Pope was visibly upset after being ruled out of Newcastle's Carabao Cup final next weekend following a red card in the defeat by Liverpool on Saturday night.
Pope was dismissed in the 22nd minute by referee Anthony Taylor after he handballed outside the penalty area. His intervention prevented a goalscoring opportunity for Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah and left his side staring at an uphill battle.
Newcastle were already 2-0 down when the goalkeeper was sent off and had to sacrifice midfielder Elliot Anderson to bring on Martin Dubravka. Ultimately the damage had already been done through goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo as Liverpool became the first away side to win at St James’ Park in the league this season.
Pope will miss the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United on February 26 because suspensions from the Premier League also count in the competition. He will be replaced by Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie, with Dubravka cup-tied after appearing in the Carabao Cup for United while on loan earlier in the season.
"I thought they were clinical with their chances when they came and obviously Nick Pope's sending-off changed the game,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports. "I've not had a proper word with him but I've seen him and he looks visibly upset. He's been outstanding for us this season.
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"It was probably technically handball but I don't know the rules on red cards outside the box. For me, it was a harsh reaction, but I understand if it's in the rules. It's harsh for Nick because he's been magnificent for us and to miss the next game is a huge blow for him."
Nick Pope was shown a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate handball (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! How big of a blow is Nick Pope's suspension to Newcastle's chances of winning the Carabao Cup? Comment below.
Karius has not yet made a single appearance for Newcastle following his free transfer from Liverpool in September. Indeed, the German goalkeeper has not played a competitive match for an English side since his disastrous display in the 2018 Champions League final for Liverpool. Gillespie, meanwhile, has not featured for Newcastle since September 2020.
However, Howe remains confident that his third and fourth-choice keepers will be ready for action against United at Wembley next weekend. "They've started games away from competitive action in several friendlies and training games. I'd say they're match ready,” he said.
"I would have confidence in them, that's what they're in the squad for. They've both been very competitive and part of our group all season. I have full confidence.
"There have been games where Nick has had very little to do, there have also been moments where he has stepped up and made world-class saves for us.
"But we need to make sure we go into next week with the mindset that we protect our goal, as we have done all season, regardless of who the goalkeeper is. That doesn't change our focus on the defensive display.”
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