Eddie Howe, the Newcastle United manager, has been under scrutiny following a series of disappointing results since November, with no festive cheer and a worrying manner of recent losses to Luton and Nottingham Forest. Despite the pressure, Howe has stated that he blocks criticism out to cope. The team's defensive openness against Liverpool and the dread of the upcoming SAFC derby have heightened concerns. Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints, the potential signing of Kalvin Phillips, and the January transfer window are also hot topics. Ahead of a crucial FA Cup match against local rivals Sunderland, Howe has faced the media, providing a non-update on transfers, addressing the team's injury concerns, including Kieran Trippier's late fitness test, and has expressed a determined approach to tackle the game head-on, as quoted. The Geordies have also spoken to the squad about the importance of the derby. The outcome of the Sunderland match is seen as pivotal, with suggestions that a loss could increase the pressure on Howe, while a win could signify a turning point, as there's light at the end of the tunnel for Newcastle.
There's light at the end of the tunnel for Newcastle and Eddie Howe 🌟 #SAFC #NUFC
Eddie Howe could come under more pressure if Newcastle lose to Sunderland this afternoon 😬 More here 👇 https://t.co/qGqNtA4aAT
⚫ Transfer update (well, not really) ↔ ⚪ Injuries, with Trippier's late fitness test 🤕 ⚫ Geordies speak to #NUFC squad about derby 🗣 ⚪ "We'll tackle it head on" 🦶 Eddie Howe has faced the media ahead of #SAFC vs #NUFC tomorrow: #FACup https://t.co/ek1fzinAzW
🔲 No festive cheer 🎄❌ 🔳 Manner of Luton/Forest worrying 😬 🔲 Why were #NUFC so open at Liverpool? 🤯 🔳 FFP, Kalvin Phillips & Jan window 💷 🔲 #SAFC derby dread 😫 🔳 Howe & Ashworth 🤔 1st @PodontheTyne of 2024, w/ @GeorgeCaulkin @ChrisDHWaugh: https://t.co/4iJBF5Txyo
Newcastle's results since November: Will Eddie Howe get them firing again? #BBCFootball #LIVNEW https://t.co/BCljHrheD6
‘I block criticism out’: Eddie Howe on coping with pressure at Newcastle https://t.co/avXHTusVAN