Howe calls Newcastle to give fitting response vs Union SG as magpies face Belgian title-holders in Champions League.
‘We need to perform’: Eddie Howe calls for Newcastle reaction against Union SG.
Eddie Howe has insisted that his underperforming Newcastle team do well on Wednesday night in Brussels against Union Saint-Gilloise, the Belgian champions.
Newcastle has only won one Premier League game this season, and their European journey started with a defeat at home against Barcelona two weeks ago. Following Sunday’s brutal 2-1 home loss to Arsenal, Howe’s team came here with their manager demanding an explanation.
“This will be a good challenge at a time in the season when we need to perform,” Howe said. “It will be an important game in our Champions League journey – and a tough one.”
“The Arsenal game should be a motivator not a hangover,” he said. “We need to use that as motivation.”
Regarding the knee injury that resulted in the removal of England full-back Tino Livramento, Howe declined to provide an update. The manager decided not to disclose the initial consultant’s evaluation, and Newcastle is now looking for a second, expert opinion. “That might be an error,” he remarked. “I would prefer to wait.”
Positively, central defender Fabian Schär has made a full recovery from his concussion and is set to rejoin the team for a match with a resurgent sleeping giant.