Eddie Howe has a request for Newcastle United fans booing his Sandro Tonali substitutions
Eddie Howe 'loves' the fact Newcastle United supporters are showing their support for Sandro Tonali - but the boss wants any frustration at the Italian being subbed off to be voiced after the game, rather than during.
Howe's comments come as a result of boos from the Stamford Bridge away end after Tonali was replaced in the second-half at Chelsea over the weekend. A smattering of boos could also be heard one week earlier at St James' Park when the same tactical decision was made in the defeat to Brighton.
Tonali is yet to play a full 90 minutes in the Premier League since returning from his 10-month suspension but has managed full games for Italy during the two most recent international breaks. Quizzed on the issue on Tuesday morning, Howe defended his decision and sent a plea to the fans who have vented their frustration.
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"Firstly, I love the fact the supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as I do. That is really pleasing," he said. "The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations towards me or any decisions are reflected after the game, not in the moment.
"I think it’s difficult then for the players coming onto the pitch. Not that it should necessarily affect their performance, but it just does create an element of doubt.
"The difficult decision I have, especially in midfield, is that we have three outstanding players starting the game. Then, you’re losing the game and you’re trying to make changes that you feel can help us, without leaving it too late. There is also a thing in my mind where you give a player 10 minutes and they don’t really get into game and find their rhythm.
"It’s a delicate balance. To do that, you then have to take a wide player off or one of the midfield players, or both depending on how many players I bring on. I am a manager that likes to make early changes, especially if we’re chasing a game.
"I’ve got a history of giving the players coming onto the pitch the best opportunity to perform. Someone has to come off and, when you look at our team, that is a difficult decision, especially in midfield. Ultimately, I’ve judged it on goals and creativity and trying to get as many of them in the team as I can when we chase a game."
Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Tonali have been the midfield three of choice of late but with Newcastle winless in five top flight fixtures, the spotlight has been shone on whether Howe's selection is truly working in the middle of the park.
With Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock waiting in the wings for their opportunity, competition for places is strong - yet Howe feels his go-to three of late isn't the issue, despite the lack of recent results.
"I am [happy]," Howe continued. "I don’t think it’s absolutely perfect at the moment, because the results will tell you it’s not. But if you look at the team functioning, especially in the last three performances, we’ve been good in the main.
"We have been creating chances and have been more than competitive. I don’t see something that is drastically wrong looking at the team. Confidence wise, it may be beginning to be an issue.
"But we’re always looking at things and saying, 'How can we make this better?'. We had a few positional issues on Sunday that we will sit down and discuss with the players, but nothing that wouldn’t ordinarily happen anyway."