Here are your latest Newcastle United headlines for November 3.
Ashworth on Tonali
After Eddie Howe had addressed the media for his usual Friday morning Press conference, the room was cleared and sporting director Dan Ashworth emerged to answer questions on Sandro Tonali’s global ban.
In a 47-minute briefing, Ashworth was asked a host of questions about the player’s short-term and long-term future. Here’s the answers to the key questions.
You can read the full story here.
Pochettino’s apology
Mauricio Pochettino could not help but take note of Newcastle United’s win against Manchester United – even before his Chelsea side drew the Magpies in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Just as Jurgen Klopp winced after glancing at the score line on the television at the back of the press room in the Vitality Stadium, following Liverpool’s win at Bournemouth, Pochettino’s eyes were drawn to events in the North West after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers. Pochettino was being asked about the psychological impact of captain Reece James returning during his post-match press conference at Stamford Bridge when the Argentine caught sight of the scenes following Newcastle’s 3-0 triumph against Manchester United as the question was put to him.
When asked if he was watching the draw, Pochettino apologised, explaining that ‘they finished the game’ at Old Trafford. Chelsea were paired with Newcastle in the draw for the last eight just a few minutes later and, clearly, this will be a tie with a lot riding on it for both sides at Stamford Bridge next month.
You can read the full story here.
Howe’s pride
Eddie Howe has spoken of his pride after Newcastle United’s squad overcame both a sticky start to the season and injury agony to remain in the top six going into November.
And Howe wants to build on that at the start of a busy month which kicks off with a home test with Arsenal at St James’ Park. Newcastle remain slightly off the pace in terms of Champions League places with a five-point gap between themselves and Aston Villa, who occupy what could be a position that qualifies for Europe’s top table next term.
You can read the full story here.
Tonali boost
Sandro Tonali is back in training with Newcastle United. The Italy midfielder remains banned until the end of August next year but FIFA have corresponded with Newcastle and confirmed he is free to work with his team-mates.
Newcastle confirmed last week Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday, 27th October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
FIGC’s sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments.
He will be free to play again on August 27, 2024 but, in the meantime, he is free to train with his Magpies team-mates.
You can read the full story here.
Old Trafford team talk
Eddie Howe is convinced that the best form of defence is attack for Newcastle United – regardless of whether they hold a precious lead or not. After going into the interval 2-0 up at Old Trafford, Newcastle could have been forgiven had they shut up shop and settled for a passage into the last eight of the Carabao Cup through defensive work.
But Howe was having none of that and wanted his side to get more goals with Joe Willock adding to Lewis Hall and Miguel Almiron strikes. Howe told Chronicle Live: “The message at half-time was to be positive and brave and continue to do the things that brought us success in the first half.
“I’ve seen many games like you have here where the Manchester United crowd win them the match. We were determined to still be positive and play our normal game.”
You can read the full story here.
Jordan’s doubts
Simon Jordan has stood by his controversial view on Eddie Howe and believes the Newcastle United head coach will prove to be a ‘gatekeeper’ in the long-term project at St James’ Park. The former Bournemouth boss has led a swift transformation on Tyneside, with the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League a year on from battling relegation.
Howe has received substantial backing in the transfer market, but has also been instrumental in overseeing drastic improvements in a host of first-team stars who pre-date the takeover. Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and Fabian Schar are among those who have elevated their games to match the team’s sudden rise up the table.
Newcastle’s impressive midweek victory at Manchester United means Howe’s team are once again in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, a year on from their final defeat to the Red Devils. With a quarter-final tie to come at Chelsea next month, the competition represents another chance to end a major trophy drought which dates back to 1969.
Jordan has raised the prospect as to whether winning the Carabao Cup at the expense of maintaining their place in the top four would be considered a successful season for Newcastle. The former Crystal Palace owner then reiterated his view that Howe will ultimately be replaced before the team competes for top honours such as the Premier League.
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