Eddie Howe Addresses Post-Liverpool “Steep Comedown,” Fabian Schar’s Goal, and League Ambitions Ahead of Brentford Match

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe addressed reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brentford, scheduled for a 15:00 GMT kick-off. Below are the main points from his press conference. Howe stated that “there were some tired bodies” following the draw with Liverpool, but emphasized that “our job is to refuel the group and go again”. He further commented: “After any game, there’s a comedown. But I think it will be a steep one after the Liverpool game. Our challenge this weekend is to find a way to hit the same levels of intensity and mental qualities that we showed on Wednesday, so quickly.” Howe indicated that some alterations to the starting line-up were likely, but stressed that there has still “got to be a balance” would be necessary to effectively compete with Brentford. He observed that his players “looked really good athletically against a top team” and noted that before the Liverpool fixture, there was the “correct attitude and mental preparation from the players” to approach the game. Regarding Fabian Schar’s goal, Howe remarked: “He has been so important for us in the build-up phases. He uses the ball really well – long and short. His goal rounded everything up and is a great example of him. How he scored that is beyond me, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to do that as a centre-back!” Howe emphasized the necessity to “need to start well” against Brentford, citing Thomas Frank’s team’s demonstrated ability to begin matches quickly. He further cautioned: “They are a very good set-piece team, so we need to be on our guard.” Addressing his team’s use of recovery days, Howe stated: “They do loads of classic recovery tools. We have really good internal facilities now too. The lads utilise all of those things but nothing beats the old-fashioned good diet and sleep. Mentally, there is work we need to do to get the players in the right place.” He acknowledged “lots of ifs and buts” regarding the team’s potential position in the Premier League table with a victory at Brentford, but highlighted that the chance to ascend into the top six “is there to be taken”. Howe concluded: “Key for us is to be optimistic and very positive. We’ve been slightly inconsistent but that is in the past and I still believe there’s more to come.”