29 December 2023 , 11:26
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Eddie Howe has had no reassurances about January transfer funds as he admits he faces a “tougher season than last year.”
The Newcastle head coach could be restricted to loan signings with top target Kalvin Phillips costing up to £7m in fees. Newcastle have dropped to ninth place in the Premier League with a trip to table-topping Liverpool up next on Monday.
His squad has been ravaged by injuries this season, meaning rotation has largely been impossible, leading to a slump especially in the last two league games against Luton and Nottingham Forest. Asked about having cash to spend, Howe said: “No, we haven't had those assurances. I think it's a difficult month, as we always say when January comes around. It’s a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
“Financial Fair Play continues to play a part in our decision-making so let's wait and see." Howe is not under pressure from Newcastle’s ownership group, and is in regular contact with them. Indeed, he will be allowed to launch a fightback and qualify for Europe again, although a return to the Champions League looks a distant dream at the moment.
Howe said: “We have gone out of two competitions and the players have had to respond to difficult moments. The last two results have hurt us the most and performances have not been what we want them to be. We have to stand up and be strong.
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“There are two ways of looking at January for me: it’s an amazing month of big games, and it is a brilliant opportunity to fight back and show our qualities.
Eddie Howe at the end of Newcastle v Nottingham Forest (Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock)“This season is tough in a different way. That doesn't mean you can't be successful and you can't achieve what you want to. We've had a few knocks, this month in particular has been difficult to take. Things have just gone against us and I'm talking about Europe and the Carabao Cup.
“It's your ability to bounce back and show you are strong enough and resilient enough to take those knocks and go again. That's where we are now. Let the dust settle, we've got no time to wait, this month is a big one for us.”