Eddie Howe has addressed his Newcastle United future following comments from CEO David Hopkinson.
The Magpies’ CEO addressed Howe’s future in the aftermath of the Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland and although it was made clear that the club are not “looking to make a change at the moment”, he did say “we'll talk about the future when it's time.”
Howe has responded by saying he remains “100% committed to the job” but like Hopkinson refused to look too far beyond the remaining seven matches of the season.
Eddie Howe addresses his Newcastle United future
“For me, nothing's changed, I'm absolutely 100% committed to the job,” Howe told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace. “That commitment has never wavered from my side. I've been working during the break to make sure that we come back as a stronger team.
“I think in this day and age, I think it's very difficult to look too far in the long term. I can only look to these seven games and make sure that we perform at our very best level, and make sure the players are ready for these games, and we go right to the end of the season.
“It's been an incredible season in the sense that we worked out that we hadn't trained with 20 players since August. I've never said that before during a season, so the first time we've gone back to big numbers in training, it's been a real refreshing couple of sessions for us. And it's been really enjoyable.
“I think let's try and finish the season well, that's what everyone wants to do.”
Eddie Howe has had ‘really good support’ from NUFC’s hierarchy
Howe added: “There have certainly been no fallings out. I’ve got a very good relationship with Ross and David. We’re plotting to try and take the club forward in the smartest way possible.
“I’ve had really good support from both of them and they are the key figures I work with day to day at the club. We’re all totally aligned on what we need to do. The long-term prospects for the football club, I think, are really strong.
“But certainly these seasons we’ve experienced previously, we’re probably ahead (of schedule). Not all the forces are with us. We’re going to have to act really smart and try to outperform the budget to hit the levels that everyone wants.
“What do I need? Just that, I need support. Good working relationships with the people around me. A feeling of being able to express myself in the best way possible so you see the best version of myself. If I feel that, and the club feels that, then they’re getting the best manager they can from myself.
“Obviously, if that’s not working for whatever reason, on both sides, then it’s best for the football club… which is the most important thing in all of this, that is Newcastle United, not me or anybody else, it’s Newcastle. I will always reflect that in my decision making. I will put the club before anybody.”
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