Eddie Howe admitted he was facing a “harsh reality” and felt “angry” with himself after Newcastle United lost 3-2 at home to Brentford on Saturday. The defeat, their fourth in five matches across all competitions, leaves the Saudi Arabian-owned club 12th in the Premier League. Boos rang out at the final whistle, but Howe did not criticise the fans.
“I don’t blame the supporters for expressing their feelings but it’s hard to hear,” Howe said. “I’ve got no issue with their reaction. We’ve had a run of games where we haven’t played as well as we can and got punished. There’s nothing else to do but accept responsibility for it.” He conducted a lengthy dressing room inquest, adding: “It’s not good enough and it’s been out of character.”
Howe took personal responsibility, stating: “I’ve got to think long and hard, not about my effort because I can’t question that about myself, but I think I’ve got to work better, I’ve got to do more. I’m annoyed with myself, angry with myself and blaming myself. I’ve got to take full responsibility for everything you see on the pitch and I’ve got to work out solutions.” He also called on his players to be honest with themselves about their performances.
The manager refused to blame fatigue from competing on four fronts for the poor league results. “Yes, some of our players are having to play fatigued and we’ve a lot of injuries,” he said. “But we’ve got to do better. We’ve got to take full accountability. It’s a mentality issue, I don’t think it’s an ability issue.” He was particularly concerned that Newcastle had deteriorated after taking an early lead, a recurring problem. “We’ve been worse for scoring and I don’t understand it,” he admitted.
Howe agreed that Newcastle’s trademark physical aggression was absent. “Our preferred way of playing is to go for the throat and control the game with relentless pressing,” he said. “But that hasn’t been there regularly enough. We’re not functioning like we have done historically as a team.” Brentford manager Keith Andrews was delighted after his side’s fourth win in six league games, saying: “There’s a feeling around the group that whoever we go up against we can win.”
