Eddie Howe has fired a “no excuses” message to any player who does not make his team sheet tonight at Anfield.
Howe famously records all training drills then meticulously looks back at sessions with his backroom staff before making final decisions on the team. The Toon gaffer has insisted that popularity or favouritism does not come into his thinking, as Kieran Trippier found out after being dropped for the 4-3 victory against Nottingham Forest.
The Newcastle United head coach is basing selection purely from what he sees on the training field at Benton on a day to day basis. That is how Lewis Miley ended up by getting his big chance against Nottingham Forest on Sunday after scoring his first Premier League strike of the season.
But Howe warned in the build-up that even teenage ace Miley – who won new plaudits on Sunday – is not guaranteed to start on Merseyside. Howe could have Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton all fit for the clash against the Reds.
The manager does not seem to be in the mood for accepting below par performances either citing that Martin Dubravka’s omission from the clash against Nottingham Forest was a tough call.
When asked about the battle for places, Howe told Chronicle Live: “That’s what you want, you need the competition and you need people performing well to drive standards and to drive the quality of our training. And ultimately to improve the team. So I think the players know that they have to be on their toes because of the standard of the squad now.
“Also we have a lot of games and everybody will get their opportunity and will continue to get their opportunity to showcase why they should start.”
When asked further on his selection policy, Howe reflected: “Whether that is from the start or from the bench. That is their moment.
“And of course there is training every day so I see everything. There can be no excuses ultimately. When I pick the team it is based on what I see.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-no-excuses-team-31076811
