Newcastle: Eddie Howe ‘looking forward’ to talks with owners

Head coach Eddie Howe says he is looking forward to sitting down with Newcastle United‘s owners next week to “express things from my perspective”.

Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are due to visit the north east of England next week.

The meetings at Matfen Hall in Northumberland were scheduled long before Newcastle slipped to 14th place in the Premier League.

Similar summits took place last season as the club’s hierarchy once again convenes for department meetings and discussions about future plans, including long-term infrastructure projects.

“It something that happens regularly so it’s nothing out of the norm for us,” Howe said.

“I always like the chance to talk directly to the owners and to express things from my perspective.

“It’s something we have always done and I look forward to that next week.”

Although Howe’s future has come under increasing scrutiny from those outside the club, the head coach has been heavily involved in preparations for next season, including pre-season plans and discussions about transfers.

It is set to be a busy window for Newcastle amid doubts over the long-term situations of a number of key players such as Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali.

Following a run of eight defeats in 11 games in the Premier League, Howe acknowledged “there might be bigger changes in the summer than was maybe previously thought”.

“It’s about attitude, commitment to the team,” he said. “I think the players would expect that, I think they understand the demands and the role they’re in.

“It’s a high-demand, high-pressure role where you’re constantly judged and people are making assessments over your future.

“There’s a responsibility in every moment to try to be at your best. That responsibility falls on me as well to make sure I’m delivering the best I can for the players and staff to create an environment we can win in.

“It goes with the territory and I think the players understand it.”