- Hall continues to put his faith in Howe
- ‘Far from the player I am now’
- A combination of issues at St James’ Park
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has faced a lot of criticism recently, especially after a damning 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League and a damaging 2-1 loss at home to Sunderland.
Lewis Hall was quick to dismiss any negative reaction directed towards his manager, praising him for helping him become the player he is today.
In England’s press conference ahead of their friendly ties against Uruguay and Japan, the 21-year-old said, “He’s been a massive help for me”, as he continues to support the English boss.
There have been rumours and speculation regarding Howe’s future on Tyneside. But he looks set to remain in the hotseat until the season is complete.
Howe helps Hall
Hall joined Newcastle from Chelsea ahead of the 2023/24 season, and he has built a formidable partnership with fellow full-back Tino Livramento, who has also been selected by Thomas Tuchel to be included in the England squad.
The young left-back made his Three Lions debut at the end of 2024, but he has only played one other game for his country, which came three days later.
This season has been a breakout one for Hall, putting in many impressive performances that have put him in contention to be a starter at the World Cup.
Alongside Livramento, four other players from Howe’s squad have been included in Tuchel’s team. Anthony Gordon, Aaron Ramsdale, Dan Burn and a late call-up for Harvey Barnes.
Hall claims that much of his current success is due to Howe and the support Howe has shown him over the years.
He said, “Although I had a few games in the Premier League under my belt, I was definitely far from the player that I am now.”
He continued.
“I’ve still got a long way to go to where I want to be and where I believe I can be, but I think he’s done so much to help me be in the position I am now.”
Hall received a lot of praise from pundits and football supporters following the first leg against Barcelona, where he gave Lamine Yamal a tricky evening.
This is something the left back believes he’s worked on, and it’s mainly down to the 48-year-old manager’s faith in him.
“I think he’s shown a lot of belief in me, and he’s taught me a lot of the defensive side of my game, which I think was the main area I needed to improve.”
Newcastle inconsistent form
The Toon Army have been critical of Howe following a tough week in Europe and in the league, but it’s the manner of this side’s performances that has led to more anger.
Prior to the loss against the Black Cats, Newcastle came off two impressive wins in the league, against Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Red Devils had come into the affair in red-hot form, but Howe ended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run. The Magpies hadn’t won at Stamford Bridge since 2012 but pulled off a famous win in West London.
These results gave them a real chance of qualifying for European football once again next season.
However, they have now slipped back outside the top 10 in the league and will need to pick up form and a lot of points after the international break.
Many of Howe’s men’s defeats have come from different issues, whether that be injuries or late winners, but the manager hasn’t helped his cause with a more passive style when leading games, and his failure to drop players who aren’t performing.
While it seems he still has the players on his side, there are sections of the fanbase that are growing more frustrated each passing week.
