Howe speaks about player commitment after Liverpool loss as he wants ‘clarity’ quickly over forward’s future.
Howe says he wants ‘players who are committed to Newcastle’ after defeat by Liverpool.
After Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old substitute, gave Liverpool the victory in the 100th minute, Eddie Howe declared he was putting all of his effort into players “who want to play for Newcastle.”
Howe, whose 10-man squad had rallied to tie the score at 2-2 following Anthony Gordon’s red card in the first half, said he was not aware of the club’s owners’ desperate attempt to get Alexander Isak to give up his one-man strike.
The Sweden striker was not present at St. James’ Park to witness an incredible match because he is currently attempting to force a move to Liverpool and trains apart from his teammates. However, earlier in the day, Jamie Reuben, the minority club owner, met with the striker in Northumberland in an effort to persuade him to change his mind.
“I am not aware of a meeting with the owners but I have not been party to talks [about Isak’s future] for a long time,” Newcastle’s manager said. “I have been preparing the team, giving my energy to players who want to play for Newcastle. I have no idea where things [regarding Isak] stand.”
Newcastle’s chair, Yasir al-Rumayyan, and other members of the Public Investment Fund, the majority owner, paid a rare visit to St. James’ Park.
“I don’t know why he [al-Rumayyan] is here,” Howe said. “His presence is much appreciated from my perspective. He is the owner and he is the most important person in terms of any decisions we make.”
Howe hopes a final decision on whether or not to sell Isak to Liverpool will arrive swiftly. “That would be ideal,” he said. “We want clarity to move forward and to change the narrative. We have given two really good performances [without Isak or a senior striker] and ended up with one point. Alex’s quality would have made a difference in the two games.
“I’ve very mixed feelings tonight. It was a great performance from us. I’m gutted for the players. Everyone had told me Anthony’s card was a clear red but I think he was slightly unlucky. There was no intent to damage [Virgil] van Dijk but he’s probably gone in too quickly. Will Osula came on, scored a goal and did well, but we are running out of attacking options.”