Newcastle boss Howe happy for Botman to fight for place | OneFootball

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·7 August 2022

Newcastle boss Howe happy for Botman to fight for place

Article image:Newcastle boss  Howe happy for Botman to fight for place

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was happy with his defence for their 2-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest.

Howe opted for a pairing of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar in the 2-0 win over Forest on Saturday as new signing Sven Botman settled for a spot on the bench.


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He said, “They (Schar and Burn) were excellent second half of last season together with Jamaal (Lascelles), who more than played his part. All three centre-backs, for me, were excellent, but we needed more strength in depth," Howe said.

"We couldn't rely this season on three. Obviously, Fede Fernandez has had quite a few injury problems. We felt it was a position we needed to strengthen. Sven was a long-term target for us. We were delighted to sign him.

"I think this period, however long it is before he gets his opportunity to start, will do him the world of good. He'll get to know the league, he'll get to know the speed. I've got no doubts about him as a player. He'll be a top player for this football club in my opinion.

"But there's real competition for places. Dan and Fabian and Jamaal, they're not going to give their shirts us easily. That's a battle I'll love to see unfold, and knowing I've got that quality certainly bodes well for the season."

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