In Eddie Howe’s perfect world, Newcastle United would have an immediate chance to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat to Brentford.
Alas, Newcastle United are now not back in action until 22nd November due to the international break. Eddie Howe and his players are forced to dwell on their recent form, rather than put it right on the pitch.
The international break comes after another major setback for the Magpies. Newcastle United were beaten by Brentford, making it three consecutive away defeats in the Premier League. They are 14th in the table, sitting closer to the relegation zone than the European spots.
Newcastle’s Premier League form is extremely poor, and Howe wishes his team did not have to wait so long to respond.
Eddie Howe claps the Newcastle United fans after losing to Brentford.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe wanted quick chance to bounce back from Newcastle United defeat
Speaking after Newcastle United’s loss to Brentford, Howe admitted that his side would quickly have another game in an ideal world.
“I think I would have preferred another game quite quickly,” he said.
“But maybe the period of reflection and the period to allow us to reset is a good thing.
“We will work hard during the break. I think the biggest thing is to make sure we stay together and we’re motivated for what’s to come.”
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Newcastle United need time off, not more games
With all due respect to the Newcastle United manager, his side absolutely do not need another game so soon after the Brentford disappointment.
While it is understandable that Howe would want a quick chance to put things right after a damaging defeat, the Magpies are clearly being held back by the volume of games they are playing.
Since the middle of September, they have played twice a week due to their Champions League and Carabao Cup commitments. Newcastle have become victims of their own success, with time on the training ground replaced by high intensity games against top level opposition.
This will feel like an incredibly long international break for supporters, but it comes at a good time for Eddie Howe. It allows him to implement a bit of a reset and work closely with those players who are not on international duty.
It allows some players to rest, while the likes of Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa can focus on their fitness as they step up their recoveries from injuries.
While it is not what he wants, this period of pause and reflection is a good thing for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United squad.