Eddie Howe opens up on reflection after Brentford and preparation for massive challenges ahead | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has been talking about his determination to get the Newcastle United team fighting successfully on all fronts, home and away from St James’ Park.

The United boss saying there has been a lot of reflection for him during this international ‘break’ AND a lot of hard work on the training pitch.

United back in action on Saturday in the late afternoon 5.30pm kick-off against Manchester City.

Eddie Howe inducted into the Newcastle United Hall of Fame on Tuesday night at the Newcastle United Foundation annual awards dinner.

The NUFC Head Coach now giving his full attention to what looks such a key upcoming period of the season.

Eddie Howe talking to Matthew Raisbeck of BBC Newcastle – 18 November 2025:

“During the international break, have you had any chance to rest and recharge, after such a hectic period leading up to  this set of internationals?”

Eddie Howe:

“I think in terms of recharging, I always find it difficult, especially if you haven’t done well in your last couple of [Premier League] games, which we haven’t.

“So it has been a mixed time for me.

“A lot of reflection, a lot of analysis, then a lot of work on the training pitch. So had to work really hard, hopefully we have done some good work. Hopefully we will see that in the coming games and we will see a return to more consistent form.”

Matthew Raisbeck:

“I think you said after Brentford, that this is probably the first time after four years of pretty consistent success and lots of achievements, that you have really been tested in this way. Obviously, when you have had bad runs before, you have found a response and that is what you are looking to achieve now, isn’t it?”

Eddie Howe:

“Yeah, it is.

“Again, it is a difficult one, because it is not all bad.

“Our Premier League form has not been good and our away form has not been good.

“Our home form has been strong, been good in the Champions League, still in the Carabao Cup.

“So it is a mixture of things, it has been difficult to pinpoint one thing, but certainly the general performances we know have to improve. We are looking for more consistency, we are looking for more goals, we are just looking for a big response really in this moment. Which we are going to need because we have got game after game.

“Our schedule the next two months is relentless, so we can’t allow any sort of negative trend to continue. So it is a really important few weeks for us.

Matthew Raisbeck:

“Your record in the big games at home has generally been very strong over the last few years, there aren’t many bigger than Manchester City, so it would be a perfect place to get a positive result ahead of this even busier period.”

Eddie Howe:

“Yeah, it would be a perfect start to that, but we know that we are up against, what are the best team consistently in the Premier League for the last five, maybe ten years. So there is no bigger game for me than Manchester City in terms of test. Hopefully that brings out the best in us and we will certainly be prepared for the game. We have had a long time to reflect on our last performance [against Brentford] and hopefully we will see a response.”

My thoughts

This next month looks massive for Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe and his players have nine matches in a four week period, with six in the Premier League, two in the Champions League, plus a Carabao Cup quarter-final.

A huge challenge for both fans and the team, this next month looking likely to play a serious part in which direction(s) this Newcastle United season is going to go in.