Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe laughs off Arne Slot’s “smaller club” remark | OneFootball

Eddie Howe once again demonstrated his trademark composure on Friday, deftly sidestepping repeated questions by the media about Arne Slot’s recent “smaller club” remark regarding Newcastle United.

The Liverpool manager’s comments, made in reference to Alexander Isak’s summer training regime, had sparked plenty of debate. Yet Howe, asked five separate times for his response, refused to be drawn into controversy. “I don’t think that’s exactly what he said or meant,” he replied with a smile, a measured answer that reinforced his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most diplomatic figures.

While downplaying the war of words, Howe delivered more significant news on the injury front. The Newcastle boss revealed that forward Yoane Wissa will require a six-week pre-season when he returns from a knee injury in a fortnight, pushing his potential comeback to mid-January. That timeline could rule the 29-year-old out of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Howe seemingly hinting that DR Congo may need to make alternative plans.

On the pitch, Newcastle’s priority remains rediscovering consistency in domestic competition. Despite scintillating Champions League form, scoring seven goals without reply in their last two outings, Howe’s side have struggled to replicate that dominance in the Premier League.

A home victory against Fulham on Saturday would cap a positive week, steady the campaign, and perhaps convince Howe that his side are finally turning the corner.

GFN | Finn Entwistle