Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is embracing the challenges that come with competing on multiple fronts, following his team's recent 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. The win secured Newcastle's place in the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive season. The Magpies will face Fulham at home in the next round, a team they recently defeated 2-1 in the Premier League.
Howe made eight changes to the starting lineup for the Tottenham game, demonstrating the depth and adaptability of his squad. Goals from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade secured the victory, with Howe praising his players' attitudes and determination. Schar headed in from a Sandro Tonali corner in the 24th minute, while Woltemade capitalized on a Joe Willock cross early in the second half. Tottenham responded with attempts on goal that were thwarted by Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Speaking before the quarter-final draw, Howe expressed his enjoyment of the challenges that come with competing in multiple competitions. He acknowledged the increased workload but emphasized that it is "what we do and what we love to do". Howe highlighted the tactical adjustments required for Champions League matches, a competition Newcastle has recently been involved in, noting the shift from training to more focused tactical preparation.
Newcastle's recent success in the Carabao Cup, including their 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the final earlier this year, has instilled a belief within the team that they can compete for trophies. That victory ended a 70-year trophy drought for the club. Howe believes that winning the cup has helped the team grow and that the experiences gained during their cup runs have been invaluable. He reflected on the tough opponents they faced and emphasized that their success was not a matter of luck.
Looking ahead, Howe is aware of the need to manage his squad carefully to maintain competitiveness across all competitions. He acknowledged that some players need game time and that he must "get the balance right" when selecting his team. Howe provided updates on the fitness of several players, including Sven Botman, who sustained a cut against Fulham, and Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, who are recovering from injuries.
Newcastle's next challenge is a trip to West Ham in the Premier League, followed by a Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao. Howe is relishing the opportunity to compete on all fronts and is confident that his squad has the quality and depth to succeed. He recognizes the difficulty of balancing the demands of multiple competitions but believes that the experiences gained from their recent success will serve them well.
Eddie Howe, who was appointed Newcastle United manager on November 8, 2021, has a managerial win percentage of 43.81%.
