Eddie Howe has admitted there has been “a lot of reflection” during a difficult period for Newcastle United, but insists he will stand by his players as they fight to regain consistency.
Just 11 days ago, Newcastle were reeling from a 3-2 home defeat to Brentford — their third straight loss — leaving them 12th in the Premier League and 11 points off the top four. For the first time since guiding the club to silverware and back into Europe, Howe faced serious questions about his future.
Family Support and Honest Reflection
Howe revealed he used the setback as a moment for self-evaluation but remained level-headed thanks to support from his family.
“There was a lot of thinking, a lot of reflection,” he admitted. “But that never stops, whether you’re winning or losing. Even in the really dark moments, my family give me perspective.”
With speculation swirling around key players and a daunting run of fixtures ahead across multiple competitions, pressure was mounting on Tyneside.
Dressing Room Response
Senior figures including Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and captain Bruno Guimarães reportedly led a frank dressing-room discussion after the Brentford defeat. The squad knew the noise around their manager was growing — and that it was up to them to respond.
They did exactly that.
An emotional 2-1 win away at Tottenham reignited belief, followed by an impressive 3-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa. Suddenly, the mood around the club shifted dramatically.
Howe, speaking ahead of Newcastle’s Champions League play-off first leg against Qarabağ FK in Baku, made his stance clear:
“If they are giving me everything, I’ll stand by their side to the bitter end. That relationship between me and the players is so important.”
Breaking New Ground in Europe
Now preparing for his 15th Champions League match in charge, Howe believes Newcastle belong at Europe’s top table — but acknowledges how hard it is to stay there.
“We want this to be the natural place for this club,” he said. “But to get there takes hard work and consistency. We’re fighting teams with bigger resources, so we have to overachieve.”
Guiding Newcastle into the Champions League last 16 would represent another major milestone in his project.
Elanga Backs the Boss
Winger Anthony Elanga also threw his support behind Howe, insisting there is no better man to lead the club forward.
“We play for the coach. He’s given us so much confidence,” Elanga said. “When you’ve got a manager like Eddie, it’s a no-brainer.”
Elanga believes Newcastle’s squad has “scary” potential but admits consistency remains the key.
With momentum slowly building again, Howe and his players now face a crucial European test in Azerbaijan — one that could define the direction of their season.
