Eddie Howe has defended his decision to limit Anthony Gordon's playing time in Newcastle United's Champions League clash with Barcelona, insisting it was his call and not the player's. The Newcastle head coach addressed the criticism that followed the 1-1 draw, where Gordon was an unused starter and featured for only half an hour.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the trip to Chelsea, Howe said: 'He was absolutely willing to play. It was my decision not to start him based on the fact that he'd been ill that morning and hadn't attended the training session.' The manager emphasised that medical advice supported the cautious approach.
The decision drew sharp remarks from former players including Alan Shearer, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney. Shearer questioned Gordon's absence, saying: 'If you're fit enough to train in the morning... this is Barcelona at home for a place in the quarter-finals. It would take something extraordinary to keep myself out.'
Howe confirmed that Gordon had been willing to shake hands before the game but declined to avoid passing on his illness. He reiterated that the forward, an England international, is a 'winner' who has faced increased scrutiny this season. 'He wants to win everything, he's a real competitor,' Howe added.
The Newcastle boss also revealed that captain Bruno Guimaraes is set to return to Tyneside on Monday after undergoing injury rehabilitation in Brazil.
