Eddie Howe Spurs press conference – The key messages ahead of Saturday | OneFootball

The Eddie Howe Spurs Press Conference has taken place.

The Newcastle United Head Coach speaking to the media ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game.

United travelling to North London.

Tottenham the opposition, as Newcastle look to make it six wins in a row.

Eddie Howe Spurs press conference on Friday:

“It will be an exciting game.

“Historically, we have had some good games against them.

“The challenge is to nullify what they do and impose ourselves on them and continue our good form.”

Eddie Howe on Newcastle’s five game winning run:

“We have produced some very good performances, everything has really clicked.

“We have looked a good attacking side, but I think the most pleasing thing with the recent run, is how well we have protected our goal, defensively we have been brilliant.

“We have had a lot of control in that respect.”

Eddie Howe on the challenge to improve:

“There is always room to improve, you have to believe that, and I do genuinely believe that.

“We are playing a lot better, playing with confidence and freedom, expressing ourselves in the right way.

“These next few games will challenge us but we will need to rise to those challenges and respond in the right way.”

Eddie Howe asked about the comments from Paul Merson, who has urged Arsenal to ‘break the bank’ and sign Alexander Isak:

“It is the first I have heard of it [what Paul Merson has said], so I need to see the comments.

“However, our players are loved by us and wanted by us.

“We have massive games to come, we need them to perform.

“Their focus can only be on what they are delivering in the here and now.

“We can only control on what we can control.

“But I don’t see that [Paul Merson’s Arsenal and Alexander Isak comments] being an issue for us, especially in this window.

“We have so many big games to come and we are very focused.

“The players are focused on having a great season and that is all that concerns us at the moment.”

Eddie Howe on talk of Martin Dubravka potentially leaving this month, with Saudi Arabia reported as the most likely destination:

“The situation is that we would not want him to leave but you have to respect the player’s wishes.

“It is not as clear-cut as you think.

“He is also out of contract in summer”

Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:

“Jacob has done really well, goals and assists is what every attacking player needs in their games, he has had a strong group of games.

“His crossing ability is second to none.

“We are pleased for him.”

Eddie Howe on his Premier League Manager of the Month nomination for December 2024:

“It is always good to be in the mix, means you have a had a good month, it was a good December for us.

“Let’s try and make it a good January too.”

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman:

“I always said Sven will be in and around the Christmas games, he has worked incredibly hard to get himself into a good condition, he has had three games, he is in and around my thoughts.

“I will have to make a decision on who best fits that position, but it is great to have Sven back around.

“If Sven is in the squad, it is because he is fit and ready.”

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports