Eddie Howe is back at the helm after missing three games due to pneumonia. The Newcastle United manager spoke to the media ahead of his team’s match against Ipswich. “I’m fine. I’m not 100% physically, but I’m close. That’s what matters. I’m good enough to be here today,” he said.
His recent hospital stay was a tough experience. “Those were difficult weeks. I try to find a positive in every experience. This has been a real challenge because you don’t appreciate your health until it’s gone. I’m grateful to our doctor, Paul Catterson, who acted quickly. Without that, things could have turned out differently.”
A Challenging Recovery
Howe was hospitalized on April 11 and missed games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa. Under assistant manager Jason Tindall, Newcastle won their first two home games but lost to Villa.
Howe wasn’t fully himself during Newcastle’s 3-0 win over Leicester on April 7. “I need to apologize to everyone who saw me that game. I wasn’t myself. I was held back. I want to believe I’m in a much better place now.”
The Magpies have five games left to secure a Champions League spot. The top five teams in the Premier League qualify for Europe’s top competition next season.
“We’ve put ourselves in a strong position with consistent performances in the Premier League. Our record has been good for a long time. Now we’re entering a tough five-game stretch. We’ll need to be consistent again and get results in some really tough games,” Howe said.
Newcastle faces Ipswich on Saturday at 3 pm. “It won’t be easy,” Howe warned. The team’s final five games will be crucial in determining their Champions League fate.