Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe addressed the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. The game will take place at BayArena, set to kick off at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday.
Eddie Howe’s Team Update
Howe reported that there are no injuries stemming from the recent victory over Burnley. Despite Lewis Hall experiencing illness before Saturday’s match, he performed well during his 30 minutes on the pitch. Howe expressed optimism that both Hall and Tino Livramento would be fit for the upcoming match.
Excitement for the Upcoming Game
The Newcastle manager emphasized the squad’s enthusiasm for playing in the “great stadium” of Bayer Leverkusen. He conveyed their anticipation of facing the challenge presented by this important fixture.
Player Updates
- Yoane Wissa: Howe noted that Wissa’s positive body language indicates he is ready to contribute more. He acknowledged the limited training time and the necessity of balancing his minutes effectively.
- Nick Woltemade: The young forward has integrated well into the team. Howe praised his performance and his personable approach to adapting to Newcastle.
- Malick Thiaw: Howe commended Thiaw’s calm and effective defensive play, noting his ability to perform unnoticed, which is beneficial for a defender.
Defensive Concerns
Howe mentioned concerns regarding injuries within the backline, indicating a lack of depth in those positions as they advance into crucial matches. This factor could impact their strategy moving forward.
Champions League Performance
Reflecting on their Champions League journey thus far, Howe stated he has been “relatively pleased.” However, he noted that they must learn from their two defeats, which followed similar patterns. The goal is to prevent the disappointment that accompanies a loss.
Newcastle is gearing up for a challenging week ahead, as they will also face Sunderland in a derby match on Sunday.
