Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonaliplaceholder image
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali | Getty Images
Eddie Howe has responded to Sandro Tonali’s comments regarding his St James’ Park in midweek.
Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United must create an environment that keeps Sandro Tonali happy at the club.
Following the win over Athletic Bilbao in midweek, the Italian - contracted until 2029 - stayed clear of committing his long-term future to the Magpies. He told reporters: “This is a tough question because in football you need to think year on year. I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go.
“I want to think, just for me, year on year. This is football. Last summer was tough for us, for Alex (Isak), but this is football. If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything.
“I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I want to stay here for 10 years’ but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”
While many were concerned about his comments, others appreciated the honesty - a trait not seen by a certain former Newcastle striker. Howe also acknowledged Tonali’s integrity while insisting that, for now, the player is fully committed to the black-and-white cause.
“I’m always comfortable with honesty,” Howe said this morning. I’m always comfortable with honesty. None of us can make massive statements about the future because life is unpredictable and football is at the sharp end of that. I think Sandro has been very honest. He is happy and he said he is enjoying his football.
“When I see him every day I see a player who is happy and feels fulfilled. He is happy with the team he is in and happy with his teammates. He loves it here in Newcastle. Our challenge is to keep providing him that environment.
“I don’t think it is our job to necessarily keep any player happy in terms of where we finish in the league. The players themselves have to find a way to be successful with the team that we have. But I think off the pitch, and the environment, that’s where we have to provide somewhere that all the players enjoy and want to be a part of.”
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