ED’S WOR CRY
Toon boss calls for mental toughness away from home after Keane ‘soft’ jibe
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BY SIMON BIRD
EDDIE HOWE will demand a “warrior” performance from Newcastle tomorrow after Roy Keane’s jibe that they have gone soft and are a “head job”.
The Toon head coach is set to recall Joelinton and Nick Pope to the starting line up for their “cup final” finale against Brentford with European qualification at stake.
Manchester United legend Keane (circled) said of Howe’s team after their midweek defeat at Old Trafford: “We spoke about Newcastle doing well and their mentality. Sometimes it is a head job. Maybe they’re not as tough as they think.”
The Geordies have gone soft away from home, conceding 38 goals and winning only five times in the Premier League this season.
Howe believes Brazilian international midfielder Joelinton (right) sets the aggressive tone when he is fit and he is set to start his first game since January.
Last season Newcastle were stubborn, awkward opponents and criticised for using dark arts.
Asked where that mentality had gone, Howe said: “We have been missing some big players this year who would have added that quality that (mentality). I think it’s in some of the players who have been missing, highlighted by Joelinton. When he plays he brings a totally different dynamic to the group.
“You could see when he came on on Wednesday, that was the best he’s looked since his injury. He looked very much like his robust, agile self. That was a big plus for me.
“Certainly, we need to find those answers for next year away from home.
“We’ve lost some of the characteristics away from home that we need. That allies in some of the players we’ve been missing.
“If it’s not there we have to try and develop that. That comes in part with experience. Towards the end of the season we’ve had a very young team – which is great in some senses.
“But also you can’t put a price sometimes on experience, especially when you’re away from home and the game is in the balance. There is a lot for us to think about.
“It’s a balance. You can have 11 warriors and then not have the quality that we need to win football matches so certainly that’s something I need to look at and reflect on.
“But we have missed the qualities of certain individuals that will have helped us on the road.”
Newcastle need to match Manchester United’s result to stay in seventh – which might win a Europa Conference League place, if United lose the FA Cup final.
Reflecting on the choppy season, Howe said: “A lot has happened. It’s been, I think, a really good season, we’ve enjoyed it. We’re frustrated with it as well.
“I think we’ll look back with a tinge of ‘What could have been’ in many aspects, whether you’re talking the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the Champions League, the Premier League.
“We’ve done okay, we’ve done well – but it could have been so different, it could have been even more memorable, so that will be a frustration that will live with me.”