Eddie Howe Manchester City press conference – The key messages ahead of Saturday | OneFootball

The Eddie Howe Manchester City Press Conference has taken place.

The Newcastle United Head Coach speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s game.

United knowing they will go three points clear of Man City if winning at the Etihad.

Newcastle United on a run of 12 wins in their last 14 matches.

Eddie Howe Manchester City press conference – 14 February 2025:

“It is going to be a great few weeks for us.

“A time to evaluate our strengths and see how we are.

“This will be a pivotal stage of the Premier League season.

“A defining few weeks for us.”

Eddie Howe on Manchester City:

“We know it will be a very difficult game.

“They are still a very good team, for me they are still the benchmark, we will have to try and deliver our best performance to get the result we want from this match.

“They have a very good squad, have made some good additions in January.

“We need to produce in all aspects of our play to be competitive.”

Eddie Howe on Birmingham City:

“The fact that the last two games, everyone has played a part.

“We didn’t underestimate the Birmingham game, coming out to fireworks, conceded within a minute – it was a tough game.

“Coming through that, the players showed their steel, drive and motivation to get through.

“We made a lot of changes and there was a lot to be positive about and now we are rewarded with a home cup tie in the next round.”

Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali:

“Last week, the plan was always to rotate Bruno and Sandro.

“I thought when Sandro come on in the second-half he brought us stability in our performance at a time when we needed it.

“It is well documented how good he is on the ball, he is very calm, composed, positive in his passing, very good technically.

“But, the off the ball work he does, the transitional aspect of his play, has been at the highest level and it really helped us.”

Official Newcastle United injury update from Eddie Howe ahead of Manchester City tomorrow – 14 February 2025:

“Anthony [Gordon] should be fine; he has trained this week. It was a thigh problem, but he has responded well to treatment over the weekend.

It’s good news on Sven’s [Botman] scan, no long-term issue. Short term still some pain, we think he misses this weekend.

Dan [Burn], he had a scan which was good, he has improved a lot very quickly, so he could be close this weekend.

Harvey [Barnes], I am really pleased with how he has looked, he is not far at all, another one that can soon be in contention.”

Eddie Howe on Joelinton:

“We hope by that time [Carabao Cup Final] he will be back fit and available.

“He is very driven to get back.

“Joe is making good progress.

“When he approaches his injury, he is very positive to get back and shave time off the estimated target that he has been given, which is a great thing, but also, we need to control that and make sure that he comes back in a really good place.

“He is very positive at the moment.”

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  Newcastle v Brighton – FA Cup fifth round (TBC)

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 16 March – Newcastle v Liverpool (4.30pm) Carabao Cup final – Sky Sports