Amidst an injury crisis, Eddie Howe acknowledged that it was “pleasant to hear” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praise his Newcastle United team.
After Newcastle’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain and their 1-0 victory over Manchester United at St. James’ Park last weekend, in which they started with the same lineup, Klopp was’really impressed’ by the team. Due to a number of injuries, Howe’s team has been without several important players in recent weeks.
Following Liverpool, the Premier League officially chooses Tottenham Hotspur over Newcastle United.
About Newcastle, Klopp remarked, “I don’t think I’ve ever praised [them], but I saw them playing [vs Man United] and I was really impressed, I have to say ‘wow’.”
“That was a big fight, and they played the same team—pretty much the same team as in Paris. Indeed, it was more than just a huge brawl; it was a showcase for superb football that was directed, counter-directed, and pressed.”
Since then, Newcastle has suffered a 3-0 loss to Everton. On Sunday, they take on Tottenham Hotspur (4:30 p.m. kickoff). This season, Klopp’s Liverpool team is the only one to defeat Newcastle at St. James’ Park in the Premier League. Despite trailing with 10 men, they managed to steal a 2-1 victory.
Howe appreciated Klopp’s assessment of his team even though he acknowledged he wasn’t aware of it at the time.
Hearing from people you respect is always pleasant,” Howe remarked. “Jurgen is someone who undoubtedly we respect his opinion and what he has achieved in the game so that is nice to hear.”
As head coach of Newcastle, Howe has only faced one Premier League team against which he has yet to secure a victory: Liverpool.
