Eddie Howe Nottingham Forest Press Conference – The key messages

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·27. August 2024

Eddie Howe Nottingham Forest Press Conference – The key messages

The Eddie Howe Nottingham Forest Press Conference has taken place.

The Newcastle United Head Coach speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday night’s match at the City Ground.

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Eddie Howe and the players hoping to follow up four points in the Premier League from the opening two games, with progress in the Carabao Cup second round.

A tough draw at this stage of the competition, with those in Europe not involved until the third round, plus the second round draw having been split into North and South, with not many Premier League clubs NUFC could have drawn, especially away from home yet again!

Eddie Howe speaking at his Nottingham Forest press conference on Tuesday morning:

“Big challenge, they have started the season well, they have deserved the points they have got.

“I think you have seen a slow evolution under Nuno; a very effective counter-attacking style with a lot of pace in their team and good physicality in their team.

“We are prepared for another difficult game.

“Both teams will want to progress in an important competition.

“We will have to do better in the details then we did at Bournemouth, there were some good things but there are things we still need to work on.”

Eddie Howe talking about transfer windows and this current one in particular:

“When you go into a transfer window, you have an idea of what is going to happen.

“You know the parameters you are working within.

“You knew there was every chance that this transfer window was going to be a difficult one.

“Difficult to navigate for so many different reasons.

“When you are in my shoes you want the squad together as early as possible, as you want to mould the squad and have that settled feeling around the squad.

“There are challenges when you bring in players late in a transfer window because it just brings uncertainty and a lack of clarity.

“However, we are working through that and I am hopeful [of one or more further signings] but there are no guarantees.”

Eddie Howe asked if this can still be a good transfer window?

“Of course.

It only takes one player to make a window a success or failure, however people view it.”

Eddie Howe asked if a right winger AND a centre-half could still be possible this week?

“Probably not, no.”

Eddie Howe asked whether any of his first team squad players will leave this week [to help bring in new signings]?

“I understand the question.

“However, for me there is always a level of respect that needs to be shown to the existing members of your squad.

“I respect every player that we have in every position and I would never disrespect players.

“It is not for me to answer, we are trying to strengthen the group, but we will try to make the right decisions to get the right players in.”

Eddie Howe asked whether there could be changes in the goalkeeping department (media reports that Vlachodimos and/or Dubravka could go out and James Trafford potentially come in from Burnley)?

“There are no guarantees.

“There is a possibility [that one or more keeper could go out and another come in];

“But nothing is yet decided.”

Eddie Howe on Callum Wilson recovery situation:

“Callum is continuing his rehabilitation from injury and I am happy with his progress.

“He is working very hard, as he always does.

“We miss him, he adds a different dynamic.

“He is such an important character around the squad, we hope to get him back soon, but it won’t be before the international break.”

Eddie Howe speaking about his team selection v Forest:

“We will try and play a really strong team; we want to progress.

“We will make changes as well at the same time, because we have a squad that I think enables me to do so, while not weakening the quality, we saw the strength of our bench on Sunday, which made a huge difference.

“There are a lot of players eager to show what they can do.

“We are determined to do well; this competition has been good for us. Last year we were incredibly close to another semi-final.”

Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali:

“He will definitely be in the squad [for this Nottingham Forest match] providing he comes through training today.

He’s fit. He just hasn’t had the match time, the 11 v 11, which players will tell you is the most important thing within the game.

“He’s done everything else.

“He has worked incredibly hard with the sports science team to be on top of his fitness, to make sure he’s fitter than he was when he was banned.

Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:

Wednesday 28 August 2024 – Forest v Newcastle in Carabao Cup (8pm) Sky Sports

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

Sunday 1 September 2024 – Newcastle v Tottenham (1.30pm) Sky Sports

(The first international break of the season)