Think it’ll be interesting what happens next. Clearly there’s a slight question mark over Howe and the training/tactics which has caused the worst injury crisis we’ve perhaps ever had. 3 or 4 first XI is unfortunate, 5 or 6 hard to understand but 8+ is an internal failure. We just don’t seem equipped to change which is odd. That said, we played a more controlled counter attack v Man U and it worked. We’ll see I suppose. .
Y xc 2 I would have to say the style of play looks to potentially be a major flaw and due to Howe's inexperience at managing so many competitions. Has he just run them into the ground ? If so we're in for a very long season because it's only November.
The same style of play that has brought us out of the relegation zone and into qualifying for CL - and we're still top 7 / 8 this season with another good cup run. So what would you have preferred him to do? What style of play should he have used instead?
You complain when the fringe players play. The style of play has got us to where we are now from almost certain relegation under Bruce. There’s only a question mark over EH by those who fail to understand that it all takes time and that the road is bumpy and that there is no magic money wand to bypass FFP. For the rest of us we’ll enjoy the journey as the Ashley years disappear into history.
I never indicated anything to the contrary, but the fact Newcastle were playing once a week may have simply afforded the intense style of play better. To answer your question I will make it plain to you that they'll have to adopt a less intense style of play like the successful clubs do such at Man City for example. Or is it just luck with injuries? Could be I suppose but I'm beginning to wonder.
I disagree. I complain regardless. I didn’t say anything heinous, I’m just suggesting there’s a naivety to Howe and chances are he’ll learn and grow. There’s also a chance he won’t. As at Bournemouth, the same style of play that kept them up also took them down, his inability to change - whether that’s arrogance, self belief, obstinance, ignorance or whatever - was his downfall as much as it was responsible for his rise. The best evolve and change. Pep wins every year not just because he has the biggest chequebook; there’s an evolution and a plan. I go back again to the Summer when our second biggest outlay was a backup right back, 3rd was then a development left back. Meanwhile Longstaff, Murphy, Burn, Lascelles are all regular players. Hall in particular is very raw, poor positioning, still learning. There’s a player in there it’ll just take a while. Something has to give somewhere. We put so much into PSG and Dortmund yet sit bottom of the (clearly difficult!) group. Would a couple of draws and patience been the worst idea against Dortmund? All the injuries and fatigue must be linked to how we play, nobody else is even close to our problems and there’s a lot of teams playing just as much who aren’t carrying 8 first team injuries - Brighton, Villa, West Ham included. All of this sits with the manager, so the results and difficult Xmas period is going to sit squarely with him. This is why I think eventually he’ll be replaced by someone who understands the workload and requirements better. That will be a shame as Howes football is some of the best we’ve seen but it’s just not sustainable so something has to give.
I think you're correct In suggesting Howe's inexperience and high intensity style have play have perhaps become exposed. It's still perhaps a tad too soon to judge, but with people like Penfold and the rest of his conglomerates you'll be challenged with mental gymnastics rather than have them consider what is a very reasonable suggestion right now.
Tactics and team selection are EH. ALL the injuries and fatigue MUST be linked to how we play. No. Some, yes. All, no. Other teams get injuries Player purchase, no. EH is not in charge of player purchase. He will no doubt have a say but ultimately it’s not on him. EH has to make do with who he’s got. In time things will move on and yes EH will go but for me criticism needs to be proportionate and constructive and relevant. Too often the ‘criticism’ is simply whining and dummy spitting. That’s my gripe.
