Sandro Tonali proved he isn’t thinking about just himself at Newcastle United when speaking to Eddie Howe both before and during their win over Fulham on Saturday.
Tonali is one of Newcastle’s best players and, when fit, has generally been an ever-present in Howe’s starting lineup ever since he returned from his betting ban in August 2024.
Still, Tonali was suffering with illness before Newcastle played Fulham, having remained on the bench for Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Benfica.
The Italian again started on the bench for Newcastle’s late win over Fulham but was brought on for Lewis Miley just after the hour mark at St James’ Park.
Tonali helped swing the game back into Newcastle’s favour and the subject of his fitness was raised in Howe’s post-match press conference.
Lewis Miley is replaced by Sandro Tonali in Newcastle United's Premier League game against Fulham.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Sandro Tonali admitted he couldn’t start against Fulham
The Newcastle United manager was asked whether he’d rather have left Tonali on the bench due to his recent bout of illness, particularly with Newcastle’s frantic fixture schedule in mind.
Howe revealed that prior to the game, Tonali admitted he was not in a position to start. While many top players could be forgiven for thinking they should always start if physically able, Tonali put the team first.
After speaking with his midfielder and getting the go-ahead after the interval, Howe eventually turned to Tonali.
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“I think all options were open,” said Howe.
“I had a little chat with Sandro at the start of the second half, as the game was developing. I just said, ‘Look, how do you feel? Do you feel like you could come and be yourself?’
“He said, ‘Yeah, I feel okay.’
“Whereas yesterday talking to him, he still felt that he wasn’t 100% fit. So, it was great to have him so honest and thinking of the team, not himself. It’s a great quality to have.”
How Sandro Tonali feels about Eddie Howe at Newcastle United
Tonali reportedly thinks Howe has worked wonders for his career, having come on leaps and bounds as a player since joining Newcastle.
That would perhaps explain that level of honesty, which speaks to the emotional connection Howe has managed to create with some of his players.
There’s little doubt Tonali helped change the game. He went close to a winner with a brilliant effort before Bruno Guimaraes eventually scored a late rebound.
This week brought positive news on Tonali’s contract at Newcastle. The more he plays this season, it increases the need to reward him with another one soon.