Here are the latest Newcastle United headlines for Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Howe sends 'hunted' message to Liverpool
Eddie Howe has stressed Newcastle United do not feel like they are being 'hunted' after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp suggested the Magpies would be 'happy' if the Reds were not chasing them down.
Newcastle are currently a point clear of Liverpool in third place, with a game in hand to boot, ahead of a huge match against high-flying Brighton at St James' Park on Thursday night. Newcastle drew 2-2 against Leeds United last time out, but the black-and-whites know their fate remains in their own hands and Howe's side will qualify for the Champions League if they win two of their final three fixtures of the campaign against Brighton, Leicester City and Chelsea.
Although Klopp conceded it was 'more likely' Newcastle would finish in the top four, the Liverpool manager claimed that Newcastle would be 'happy if we would not be there any more' after the Reds won seven games in a row to close the gap. However, Howe does not see it that way.
"I don't feel like we're being hunted," Howe told reporters. "I don't feel that emotion. It's us against ourselves, really. That's how I see it. It's us trying to be the best we can be. I've not focused on any other team all season.
"In my experience, I knew Liverpool were never far away because they are a top team and they are capable of going on runs of wins. They are very similar to Manchester City where they can win a group of games without blinking. They have got that experience. For us, we can't look at Liverpool or compare ourselves to Liverpool. We just have to look at us."
Lewis future 'unclear'
Eddie Howe is unable to offer Northern Ireland defender Jamal Lewis any assurances on his future beyond this season.
The £15million signing from Norwich City has barely figured this season despite injury problems for Matt Targett and he could leave this summer. Lewis has been back on the bench in recent games but has both Dan Burn and Targett ahead of him in the left-back stakes.
When asked about Lewis' future, Howe said: "The future is a little bit unclear for him. He’s very much a valued member of our squad at the moment. I’m very aware I’ve not been able to give him the football he wants this season but I would say his game has developed behind the scenes.
"The work he’s put in behind the scenes every day to improve himself with the coaches here has been brilliant to see. His game has been in a really good place, just I haven’t been able to give him the opportunities to show that.
"He’s someone we value and believe. As I sit here now, I don’t know what the future will hold for him next year."
Newcastle injury news
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says that the crunch clash against Brighton & Hove Albion will come too soon for Sean Longstaff - while Jacob Murphy is also a doubt.
The duo have been key figures in the club's push to the top four but Longstaff will be ruled out for the fourth match in a row with the foot injury suffered at Everton. Murphy was fit enough to take a place on the bench but is still struggling with a groin issue.
Howe said at his press conference: "I think we are quite clear on the injury it is just how long it takes to heal. Sean made good progress yesterday so let's see how he feels today but he won't be part of this game."
Speaking on Murphy, Howe said: "Jacob is probably the only other doubt we have."
Brighton roll on to Tyneside after beating Arsenal on Super Sunday 3-0, but Howe is looking forward to the encounter, he said: "We are in the game to perform and in the game to show everyone how committed we are to bringing success to the club.
"It's a huge game. It's going to be a really good game between two excellent teams. I've got a lot of respect for Brighton and what they've done this season. Watching them against Arsenal I was hugely impressed."
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