Eddie Howe Responds to Arne Slot’s Criticism of Newcastle
Eddie Howe has fired back at Arne Slot after the Liverpool manager called Newcastle a “smaller club,” reports BritPanorama.
Slot had suggested that Newcastle’s management of Alexander Isak during the summer contributed to the striker’s unfitness upon his arrival at Liverpool. Isak is now sidelined for an extended period due to a groin injury sustained during a Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt. Following his record £125 million transfer, Isak has only managed to score one goal in eight appearances.
In his comments, Slot stated, “I don’t think there’s a rule that every single player has the same (pre-season preparation). But it also depends on what he did when he didn’t train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing.” He further implied that clubs like Liverpool offer a different level of preparation.
Howe, however, opted for a more measured approach, emphasizing the positive environment at Newcastle. “The set-up here is very good. It is not perfect, we’ve got things to improve and to grow. But the owners here have developed the facilities since I’ve been here very, very well,” he said. “You can see there is building work going on currently to hopefully deliver even better in the future. But I have no complaints. We’ve got elite athletes here, many of them, and touch wood, we’re managing them pretty well at the moment.”
When pressed about whether he would defend the club given their current positioning above Liverpool in the Champions League standings and a previous victory over them in the Carabao Cup, Howe declined to engage in that line of questioning, noting that he felt no need to “go into bat” for supporters.
Howe also addressed Slot’s comments directly, stating, “I don’t think that’s wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club, so I won’t comment on it.”
With Newcastle now facing Fulham in the Premier League, Howe aims to continue improving their position from 14th place. Meanwhile, Slot is tasked with halting Liverpool’s league losing streak as he works to get them back on track in their title defence.
In a landscape where club affiliations and rivalries often lead to charged exchanges, this incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between competition and professionalism in football management.
