Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, discussing all things Newcastle United ahead of our trip to Ipswich tomorrow afternoon.
The boss was asked about our January transfer plans, admitting there’s been “loose discussions” around potential targets, insisting we’ll need to be “reactive and ready” despite being slightly “restricted” as to what we can do due to PSR.
Howe also reacted to the Carabao Cup semi-final draw, feeling happy to be playing the deciding second leg at St James’ Park, and revealed that there’s a good energy about the players after back-to-back wins – although some will be assessed today after two games in five days left us with a few “tired bodies.”
Joelinton is suspended and the break may come at a good time for the Brazilian, who has had a “few stitches” after his clash with Nathan Collins on Wednesday left him bleeding from the ear and mouth.
Howe also hailed Sandro Tonali’s display in midweek, believing he’s finding his “best level” at Newcastle and benefiting from the love he’s received from his teammates and fans.
Speaking to the media earlier today, Eddie Howe had this to say on all of the topics above:
**Howe on January transfer plans** – “It’s been very, very loose discussions. There hasn’t been many discussions in great depth on January and that’s because we’ve got a lot of games.
“Our focus is on the matches and we’re restricted to a degree in what we can and can’t do. So I don’t think that’s our main focus at the moment, certainly not mine anymore. But of course we’re aware January’s around the corner and we’ll need to be reactive and ready.”
**Howe on injuries, fatigue and Joelinton** – “There’s some tired bodies but refreshingly energetic because results have been good. Will make assessments on how everyone looks today.
“Yeah, he (Joelinton) OK. He’s a little bit battered and bruised. He’s had a few stitches, I believe. There was a bit around the area of the ear which was quite delicate and he had a cut mouth I think.
“Probably him not being available this weekend is probably a good thing for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and then hopefully be fully fixed.”
**Howe on Tonali’s goals and man of the match display in midweek** – “You can tell a lot from the celebration of the goal – the harmony and spirit of the group.
“I do think Sandro will know the depth of love he has from Newcastle fans and everyone internally at the club – especially on matchday with the chants and flags he’s seen. Delighted to see him playing at his best level.”
**Howe on drawing Arsenal in Carabao Cup semi-final** – “We were due a tough game whoever we got and I watched it with interest last night. The game beforehand was an unbelievable game to watch. When you get to this stage of the competition, you know the quality of the teams is very high. We’ve had some good games against Arsenal in the last couple of years so we’ll look forward to that.
**Howe asked if he prefers the second leg at home – “**I think you probably would, yeah. I don’t think there’s a whole lot in it, but I think that probably would have been our preference.
“But I think any game game with Arsenal will be difficult, home or away. But as I said, we’ve had some really good competitive games. I think they’ve been really tight,.
“So I think that’s something on the horizon for us to really look forward to, I think we’re all excited by that. Those two games are quite unique that they’re separated so far apart. But they’re sort of in the background of my mind, the focus very, very quickly, as I said, after the game here Brentford is on Ipswich, and we’ve prepared the game and we’re looking forward to it.”
**Howe on plans to train on Christmas day** – “We’ll be in on Xmas day. I think the game takes priority – we have to prepare in the right way – so the players expect that now. I don’t think they thought that they’re gonna get Christmas Day off!
“I think it’s an intense schedule for the players. I think we always, when you’re in this industry, know that the Christmas period is slightly different for us. But we enjoy it and I think with the games around Christmas do have a unique atmosphere, they have a special feel to them.
“Hopefully they’ll continue to have a special feel because we’ll get some good results and that’s the plan.”