In George Caulkin’s recent piece for The Athletic, it’s disclosed that after Newcastle United’s 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth, Amanda Staveley entered the away dressing room to share a moment with Eddie Howe and the players. Expressing her pride in the team, she apologized for not being able to provide more assistance and embraced Howe. In response, Howe conveyed his confidence, stating, “I know we’ll come back stronger.”
Despite Saturday night’s challenging match, marked by a second defeat of the week and a subpar performance resulting in another injury to Miguel Almiron, there was a notable display of unity among the owners, manager, and players. Staveley’s genuine concern and gratitude towards the players were justified, given their commendable performance in coping with various challenges, including injuries, suspensions, and setbacks while juggling Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup commitments.
It’s important to acknowledge that the Bournemouth loss was Newcastle’s first league defeat since September. Despite the hurdles, the team remains competitive in Europe and looks forward to a cup quarter-final next month. Considering the demanding schedule and the Tonali saga, Newcastle has performed admirably.
Regarding Howe’s message to Staveley, there is a genuine belief in the team’s ability to bounce back. The club has a history of responding resiliently to setbacks, such as last season’s cup final defeat leading to a remarkable top-four qualification and a previous run of three consecutive defeats being followed by an impressive streak of wins, clean sheets, and draws in subsequent league games. Despite fatigue, a shortage of players, and heading into the international break, there is confidence in the team’s capacity to recover, as they have consistently demonstrated in the past.