Eddie Howe Ipswich press conference – The key messages ahead of Saturday

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The Eddie Howe Ipswich Press Conference has taken place.

The Newcastle United Head Coach speaking to the media ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game.

United travelling to Portman Road for a 3pm kick-off.

Ipswich the opposition, as Newcastle look to bank what would be a very valuable three points ahead of Christmas.

Eddie Howe Ipswich press conference on Friday:

Eddie Howe on drawing Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with United playing the second leg at St. James’ Park:

“I think we were guaranteed a tough game, whoever we got.

“We play Arsenal and we’ve had some good games against them in the last couple of years so we’ll look forward to that.

“I don’t think there’s a whole lot in it but I think that (playing at home in the second leg) would’ve been our preference. Any game against Arsenal, home or away, is difficult. We’ve had some really competitive games and they’ve been really tight.

“That’s something on the horizon for us to really look forward to and we’re really excited by those two games. It’s unique that they’re separated so far apart but the focus, very quickly after the game against Brentford, is on Ipswich.”

Eddie Howe on Joelinton, suspended for this weekend’s trip to Ipswich, who was withdrawn at half-time during Wednesday’s 3-1 win against Brentford:

“He’s okay.

“He’s a bit battered and bruised, with a few stitches in or around his ear which were quite delicate.

“He had a cut mouth so probably not being available this weekend is a good thing for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and then, hopefully, be fully fit for next week.”

Eddie Howe on the build-up to Ipswich, who are still to win at home this season:

“There’s a very good feeling around the team at the moment.

“I think we’ve performed very well and I’d like to think we are building some momentum.

“We know it will be a difficult game at Portman Road against Ipswich, a really competitive team and Kieran’s done an unbelievable job there.

“Even the games they’ve lost this season, they’ve been in those games, so we’re going to have to be hyper-alert.”

Eddie Howe on the team celebrating Sandro Tonali’s second goal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Brentford:

“I think anything that makes the player in that moment feel special and important is a great thing.

“You can tell a lot from a celebration of a goal.

“You can tell a lot by the harmony and spirit of the group.

“I love to see the players celebrate together and the whole team together to share that moment with whoever scores or assists.

“You need that feeling and connection between the players and whoever is taking the acclaim in that moment, you’re doing it together and trying to lift each other higher.

“It’s such an important part of the team’s identity.”

Eddie Howe on the relationship between Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali:

“They’ve always been friends off the pitch from very early on.

“It’s not just about those two players to create a midfield dynamic that works.

“We play with three midfielders the majority of the time, so the third one has to work as well.

“I think it’s something that will never stop, having to try and find solutions from my side, whether it’s Sandro and Bruno or other areas of the team, with certain players and finding the right chemistry.

“It’s happening on the pitch between our midfield and it’s looked really good in recent weeks.

“Relationship building comes from the matches but, of course, we didn’t have Sandro for so long in that respect so it was difficult to form those relationships.”

Eddie Howe on the legacy of Sir Bobby Robson, who managed both sides:

“It’s not lost on me the relationship that Sir Bobby Robson had with Ipswich.

“It surprises me the length of time that he served there (13 years) as manager.

“He has a stand named after him there and to have that relationship with two clubs is very unique and shows what a man and manager he was.

“I’m aware of that connection and we want to try and do his legacy proud.”

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Week commencing Monday 6 January – Arsenal v Newcastle TBC

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)