Eddie Howe remains uncertain whether Newcastle’s Saudi owners will grant him the freedom to address the team’s issues by making substantial investments in new players during the January transfer window.
Newcastle currently finds themselves in ninth place in the Premier League and suffered a woeful conclusion to 2023 by being eliminated from the Champions League.
As they head to face Premier League leaders Liverpool on New Year’s Day, Howe’s side has suffered six losses in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Despite the club’s owners having invested approximately £400 million ($509 million) in four transfer windows since their acquisition, Howe, for the first time in his tenure, has not received confirmation of additional funding in January.
“We haven’t been given those assurances,” Howe informed reporters on Friday. “January is always challenging, as we consistently reiterate when the month arrives. I apologize if my response sounds repetitive, but attracting quality players during this period is indeed difficult.”
“Financial Fair Play continues to influence our decision-making, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Newcastle’s challenges have been compounded by a long injury list, with the likes of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, and Elliot Anderson eagerly anticipated for their return to fitness under Howe.
With Newcastle trailing eight points behind their fourth-place finish in the previous season, Howe faces mounting pressure. Despite this, his job seems secure for now, and he asserts his ability to handle the increased scrutiny.
“I don’t perceive it as suddenly being in the spotlight. In this job, I’m always under scrutiny, and criticism comes with it. It’s part and parcel,” he stated.
“Although you might say I haven’t faced criticism, it’s inherent in this profession. I’ve learned to embrace and comprehend it, respectfully filter it out, and ensure my focus remains on aiding the players. That hasn’t changed for me.”
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