Eddie Howe refuses to apologise for manner of Newcastle wins

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Eddie Howe refuses to apologise for manner of Newcastle wins as his side prepare for Champions League group of death clash with Borussia Dortmund

  • Comparisons have been drawn between Newcastle and La Liga’s Atletico Madrid
  • Eddie Howe insists his ‘hugely ambitious’ side don’t mind how they win games
  •  CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off

Eddie Howe will not apologise for whatever manner in which Newcastle try to win games, as comparison to Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid resurfaced on the eve of a decisive Champions League encounter here in Dortmund.

While the magnitude of tonight’s Group of Death meeting with Borussia was not lost on Howe nor those present at last night’s press conference at Signal Iduna Park, it was Saturday’s controversial 1-0 victory over Arsenal that still dominated conversation.

Mikel Arteta launched an extraordinary rant about the validity of Anthony Gordon’s winning goal and some of his players refused to shake hands with the hosts. 

The Spaniard has previously moaned about the dark arts employed by Howe and his team and there is no love lost between the rivals.

Eddie Howe issued a cool response to complaints from Mikel Arteta about Newcastle’s win

Newcastle United lost to Dortmund at St James’ Park courtesy of a Felix Nmecha first half goal

Newcastle and Switzerland centre back Fabian Schar also defended his side’s playing ways

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Howe refuses to get heated about such matters, but there was a cold warning for anyone unhappy with his team’s approach.

‘We’re not intentionally ruffling any feathers, we’re just trying to win,’ he said. ‘However we do that, I’ve got no issue with that, as long as we do it within the spirit of the game.

‘We are competitive. We’re hugely ambitious and full compliment to the players on how they handled Saturday. I want the players to stand up for each other, I want them to play competitive football. I want us to be strong in certain moments, which we have to be, and I think we did all of those things on Saturday. I’ve got no issue at all with how we played.

‘Look, I think we play hard. We play the game in a really strong way because we want to win. But I think we play fair and we will do the same again.’

Fabian Schar joined Howe on Monday and the centre-back, with his dashing good looks, showed an ugly side when talk again turned to accusations about Newcastle’s aggressive streak.

‘I enjoy doing whatever it takes to win a game,’ he declared. ‘Sometimes, it is what is needed. A game can go different ways. We know what we need to do. Sometimes, you play nice football, and sometimes, like Saturday, you have games that are really tight and intense, a lot of fouls. There were things off the pitch too, but I don’t really care.’

The intensity of Newcastle’s play is perhaps coming at a cost, and Howe will be without 12 senior players this evening. 

Newcastle will be desperate to get a result out of this game as they search to qualify for the next round of the Champions League

He has confirmed that defender Dan Burn is the latest casualty, injuring the base of his spine against Arsenal. He is looking at a couple of months out, and so is left back Matt Targett, a hamstring victim.

Newcastle know that another defeat against Dortmund – they lost 1-0 at St James’ Park a fortnight ago – would leave them as outsiders for a place in the last 16. They will have to overcome a Dortmund side smarting from Saturday’s 4-0 defeat by Bayern Munich, as well as an 81,000 crowd.

‘When you come here, one thing we’re guaranteed is a brilliant atmosphere, and I think we’re prepared for that,’ said Howe. ‘But then managing that through the game will be down to our performance, and how well we start is going to be key.’

Hard but fair is what Howe will ask for from the off, and he will not care if that upsets the 11 on the pitch or those in the stands.

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