Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has delivered a pointed critique of his team's collective mindset, while also addressing emotional post-match remarks from captain Bruno Guimarães. The comments come in the wake of a damaging 1-0 FA Cup defeat to arch-rivals Sunderland on Sunday.
Howe Defines 'Mentality' Amid Captain's Criticism
In the aftermath of the loss, Brazilian midfielder Guimarães labelled the performance a "disaster" and said he was "ashamed." Howe, while acknowledging his captain's passion, took issue with the specific terminology and the broader questioning of the team's mentality.
"What does (mentality) mean?" Howe asked rhetorically. "Because it's a very worn-out phrase, mentality. I hear it a lot, but when people use it they have to understand what it is."
For Howe, mentality is rooted in tangible actions rather than words. He elaborated, stating it is found in preparation, professionalism, and a relentless commitment to responsibilities on the pitch. "It's making sure when you have a job to do on a set-piece and you're defending a corner, you've practised, but you also assume the seriousness of your role and your responsibility and you execute it. That for me is mentality," he explained.
Actions Over Angry Words, Says Manager
The Magpies' boss emphasised that strong talk in the dressing room or to the media pales in significance compared to a player's daily dedication. "For me, talking off the pitch and in the dressing rooms is important, but it pales next to your willingness to prepare and be a good professional," Howe stated.
He directly linked this philosophy to the inconsistent form that has seen Newcastle languish in 12th place in the Premier League this season. Howe admitted there have been matches where he has been left unsure if his players have given everything, describing that uncertainty as a "horrible feeling."
"My only request of a player is that when they go onto the pitch, they give absolutely everything they have in their soul and their body," Howe said. "We've lost a bit of that and it's up to us to find a way to get it back."
Guimarães's Emotional Response and Clarification
Howe revealed that he agreed with "90%" of Guimarães's initial comments, but disagreed with the term "disaster." He praised the midfielder's emotional nature as a key driver of his success and leadership, but stressed the importance of a unified external message.
Following the original outburst, Guimarães issued a second statement on Monday calling for unity and an end to blame. Howe fully endorsed this follow-up, saying: "The second statement he made is one hundred percent correct. That is what we need."
The manager concluded by reinforcing the need for the squad to focus on the future collectively. "The current mindset is that we cannot affect the past, we can only affect the future. We have to do it together," Howe asserted, setting the tone for Newcastle's attempt to salvage their season.
