4
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
- Howe confirmed Newcastle will have the same squad available as they did in their 1-1 draw against Barcelona on Tuesday.
- On if any of the currently injured players will be returning: "No, I don't think so."
- Anthony Gordon trained on Thursday and "feels better" after not making the starting line up against Barcelona due to an illness.
- On Gordon only coming on as a substitute in midweek, which was questioned by the likes of Alan Shearer and Roy Keane, Howe said: "I have to clear up something with Gordon, he absolutely was willing to play against Barcelona. I know there are a lot of comments, it was my decision not to start him based on the fact he was ill that morning and hadn't attended training. He was prepared to play."
- Discussing Gordon's personality, Howe added: "He wants to win everything, he's a real competitor. He's got that streak to him that I think all top players need where he's very single-minded, very focused on his development and his game. I can only speak really glowingly of him this year. It hasn't been a straightforward season for him. He's had a lot of challenges, as every player does. But I think he's probably in the best moment that he's been this season currently. He's playing really well."
- On how his players are feeling after conceding a last minute equaliser to Barcelona in the first leg: "The lads are pretty good. They become used to positive responses to difficult moments. I think when they look back, they appreciate how well the team performed. We have to take that good stuff into the next game."
- On facing Chelsea: "There's mental challenges for this game. A lot of the focus will be on the Barcelona game, rightly so, but this game is a very tough one. They're a dangerous team, one of the toughest away games we'll have. Big job to get the players ready."
- On Joelinton: "He's a huge player. When he plays like he has the last few games, we're a different team because of it. He's an outstanding player, and I think he's a player that really lifts the team when he's in a good place."
Follow all of Friday’s Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news
