Newcastle Eddie Howe, manager believes Manchester City is still the “reference point” to target despite their races this season.
Having won the previous four Premier League titles among countless other trophies, the Pep Guardiola side sank under the usual standards this season and today was on the fifth level in places with Saturday’s Newcastle opponents.
Their non -characteristic poor campaign suffered another blow on Tuesday, when they ended up slowly to lose Real Madrid at home leaving the Champions League campaign in serious doubts.
But instead of judging citizens only, Howe is much more involved in the broader image and believes that they are still a force that must be taken into account.
Before Saturday’s Premier League clash at Etihad, Toon’s boss said: “I don’t think you are necessarily examining it during this time period. I think you have to look at it for a much longer period of time.
“I think it was impressive and so consistent, for so many seasons, which is so difficult to do at this level because of the team’s standard. I think this is what we have really seen, the patterns of the Premier League. , really.
“Every team is very difficult to play against. We have recently discovered in some games at home, if you fall by 1%, you can hit. Every game is very difficult, nothing was given to you.
“I think it was great for the Premier League because you never know what will happen when you go to a stadium now, any stadium.
“And I think it produces a truly fun premier League this year, but Manchester City is still a very good team, I think home statistics are still very strong.
“So for me they are still the point of reference and we must try to produce our best performance to try to get something for this fight.”
Eddie Howe speaks in the media before tomorrow’s trip to face Manchester City 🗣️
You can attend the boss’s press conference as live in the official application of Newcastle United Now 📲 pic.twitter.com/cyonu7lysk
– Newcastle United (@nufc) 14 February 2025
Isak by haaland
Saturday’s game sees two of Premier League strikers going to lead, with the city having Erling Haaland in their ranks and Alexander Isak in the hope of inspiring Newcastle.
The twin scored 19 and 17 goals respectively in the Premier League this season, and Howe believes he is making the most of his Swedish striker is the key to securing the victory at Etihad.
He said: “You look at Haaland’s cohesion for a long time, there is no doubt in it and Alex certainly does the same. Since he arrived at this club, I think he was absolutely impressive for us.
“So we want to try to get him in the game as much as we can and always say the same thing. We have to provide the foundations to perform at his best levels.
“Alex must also perform, but you know, in these types of games. It may not get the loads of the potential, but we must try to get it in the right areas and try to get the ball in the main areas.”
Newcastle Team News: Gordon and Burn should appear, Botman is moving forward
Howe offered an information about the suitability of Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn and Sven Botman.
“Anthony (Gordon) should be okay. He’s trained this week, with no problems,” the Magpies boss added. “It was a thigh problem, but he responded well to treatment at the weekend and has been well trained.
“It’s good news for the Sven Botman. We don’t think there is a long -term issue there. In the short term there is still a little pain for him. .
“The initial look at Dan (Burn) was not positive, but it had a scan that was good. It has improved very quickly, so it could be near this weekend.”
