Your Newcastle United headlines for Friday, October 21.
Howe's Gerrard woe
Eddie Howe admits that Steven Gerrard's sacking after just 40 matches at Aston Villa was a sobering experience.
The Toon boss was on a high after leading Newcastle to a six-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, but says that watching Gerrard's pain unfold live on Amazon Prime saddened him.
Howe said: "I am very disappointed for Steve, he’s a very good manager. It goes to show the short-term nature. A very difficult job, very volatile at times, I have no doubt over his quality and I’m sure he’ll be back soon.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe on the 'little things' that can help Newcastle United beat Tottenham
"I was thinking of him last night. It could be any of us at any stage. I always feel for managers who lose their job."
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Howe on Joelinton injury
The Magpies' boss ays it is still "unclear" whether Joelinton will be available for the clash at Spurs on Sunday. Howe subbed Joelinton in the 1-0 win over Everton and is now expected to make a late decision on the Brazilian for the trip to the capital.
He told reporters: "He had a knock to the side of his knee. We thought he could run it off but when he said he had to come off at half-time we knew there was potentially an issue there.
"We're hopeful it's not serious but at this moment it's still slightly unclear."
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Conte concern
Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has become the latest big-six spokesman to show concern over the Magpies’ potential in the coming years.
Last week, it was Jurgen Klopp who bemoaned the lack of a “ceiling” on Tyneside since the £300million takeover.
“You have to consider Newcastle for the present and future as a danger,” Conte told reporters ahead of the Magpies’ trip to North London. “As a dangerous team for the first position, for the Champions League position (and) fighting to win trophies.
“For this reason, many clubs have to pay attention because, in my opinion, I see Newcastle in the future becoming really, really dangerous for a place in the Champions League and to win trophies.”
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Howe on Saudi camp
Howe claims the warm-weather trip to Saudi Arabia in December is a "football decision".
The Magpies face Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal in a friendly on December 8 and will enjoy warm weather training in the Middle East. United will return to Saudi Arabia for the second time this year.
Howe said: "The break for the World Cup gives us the opportunity for a mini pre-season ahead of a crucial part of the season, and I'm pleased to have finalised our plans.
"Our trip to Jeddah in January was pivotal for us last season. It galvanised the group, and the hard work the players put in was rewarded in performances and results on our return.
"We will have access to world-class facilities as refurbishments at our own training ground continue, and we look forward to facing Al-Hilal and playing in front of our growing numbers of supporters in the region."
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Botman Dutch call-up
Sven Botman has been included in Holland's long list squad for the World Cup finals in Qatar. The centre-back took the decision to pull out of the Holland Under-21 squad after insisting he was focusing on life at Newcastle.
But Louis Van Gaal has included him on a list of 39 players who are under consideration for the tournament. Botman will learn whether he will be in the final squad of 26 on November 11.
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