Eddie Howe cut a bruised figure as he applauded the away end at Selhurst Park at the weekend
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe
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Newcastle United chiefs have not held any crisis meetings with Eddie Howe this week - despite the alarming display at Crystal Palace.
There have been concerns behind the scenes about the team's ability to drop points in the dying stages of games and the manner of the last half an hour at Selhurst Park.
But Chronicle Live understands the club won't overreact to the result, and, as we reported on Monday, the aim from the top is to give Howe the chance to perform in the last six games.
Victory at home to AFC Bournemouth could see Newcastle leapfrog the Cherries and get back in touch with the European chase. Although, behind the scenes, there is an acceptance that there is no room for error left in the last six games and a major improvement in performance and attitude will be required.
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Despite talk of Howe being replaced by Andoni Iraola and speculative punts by social media, transfer aggregators that Jose Mourinho is in the frame to come in next season, the reality is that United have not approached PIF to talk about a new head coach.
Newcastle chiefs aren't ignoring the issue, but sources insist a "rational" and "sober analysis" is taking place on the overall performance of the team.
An end-of-season performance review has always been in the diary, while changing manager during the season will be a costly business, given Howe would require a big compensation package with a number of years still left on his contract.
Howe insisted that despite the lowly position in the table, his team weren't as bad as critics are making out.
He said: "A couple of games ago we beat Chelsea away and beat Manchester United and you sit here off the back of a disappointing run and the outside noise is to change everything.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)
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"Sometimes you have got to believe in what you do but, of course, we have to execute it better."
But he also took on responsibility for the slump and said: "I always have to look at myself first. I always say that. I'm number one accountable."
Last week Howe stated he had not sought assurances on his future and while conversations with sporting director Ross Wilson have taken place, full focus has gone into the clash against the Cherries.
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