Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has warned the club’s hierarchy that his side will require further investment to compete for silverware.
The Magpies came close to winning their first major trophy since 1955 but were thwarted by Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final last weekend.
Backed by Saudi investment, Newcastle are expected to be a major force in the game. But the 2-0 defeat at Wembley Stadium was a clear indication of the gap between Howe’s side and the Premier League’s big boys.
Speaking ahead of his side’s crunch clash with Manchester City, Howe admitted that the club needs investment to compete at an elite level, but also insisted they have to be smart about it.
“It is difficult for me to say, ‘Yes, categorically, only money can do that’, because it takes away one of my core beliefs that you can improve players and take them on a journey with you,” said Howe (via the Daily Mail).
“But there is an element of truth in that you need investment to really compete at the elite level. And we’re talking to disturb the top group of teams – it’s difficult to do that without that investment.
“So I do feel we have more [spending] to go. We need a bigger squad. We have been stretched at times this season. We need to do that [invest] wisely and smartly.”
Following the defeat at Wembley, Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley reiterated the club’s lofty ambitions to win every trophy available domestically and in Europe.
While Howe shares in her enthusiasm, the English manager stressed that the club’s expectations must also be tempered in the short term to avoid mounting pressure on the players.
“I love Amanda’s positivity – I’ve got no issue with it,” Howe added.
“All I’d say is, from my perspective, there’s no time limit on that because if we set targets that are maybe too short-term, that can have a negative effect, and it can build external pressure that the players don’t need.”
Newcastle are in the mix for a place in next season’s Champions League, but after winning just one of their last seven league games, they are in danger of being left behind.
Saturday’s opponents do not offer the best chance for the Magpies to return to winning ways. But a positive result against the reigning champions would do their confidence a world of good.
