Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe expressed that he feels "at ease" regarding the possibility of his team achieving a new club record this Saturday. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining their intensity if they aim to defeat Bournemouth and secure a tenth consecutive victory.
The Magpies are set to host Howe's former team at St. James' Park, seeking a win that would represent a significant achievement for the ambitious club, which recently climbed into the Premier League's top four following a 3-0 triumph over Wolves on Wednesday.
Howe affirmed that his team's strategy for the upcoming match against the Cherries will remain consistent with their successful approach during this impressive streak, which has propelled Newcastle up the standings and earned them a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and the FA Cup fourth round.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that his players must perform at their highest level against Andoni Iraola's squad, who are also enjoying a strong run and are aiming for their 11th match without defeat.
Howe shared his thoughts during a pre-match press conference on Friday morning. Here are some key highlights:
On the Magpies' mindset heading into a potentially record-setting weekend...
"We've maintained a relaxed attitude throughout this streak; we haven't concentrated on it or discussed it among ourselves, simply focusing on the next match. We won't change our approach now. Our focus will solely be on Bournemouth and ensuring we deliver a strong performance.
"I'm comfortable with these situations. While it's a topic of conversation for many, our priority is to win and extend our run as long as possible, but it ultimately comes down to our performance."
On the competitive nature of the Premier League table...
"This season's Premier League is quite unique in terms of the standings—it's very tight and competitive. Every team, regardless of their position, will be thinking that with a few consistent results, they could be in contention.
"It works both ways, so we must be vigilant to avoid slipping from our current form."
We have thoroughly enjoyed our recent performance and have positioned ourselves well. Now, it’s all about maintaining our momentum and striving for further victories.
Regarding Fabian Schär, who was unable to participate in the midweek match against Wolves due to illness...
"We will make a decision today. Fabi trained yesterday but wasn't at his best in terms of health. He has been dealing with a severe cough and illness, so we will assess his recovery today."
On the mindset of his players...
"The players have shown remarkable maturity during this winning streak. They view this as an expectation rather than merely exceeding expectations.
"They are maintaining their focus. There is a strong belief within the squad that we possess talented players capable of winning matches. Our priority is to stay concentrated and look forward to the upcoming game."
On Bournemouth...
"I admire many aspects of their playing style. They are never out of contention in a match; if you observe their performances, they have achieved some impressive comebacks. I recall their matches against Everton and others where they gained significant momentum late in the game, including Ipswich, ultimately securing victories. Their spirit is unmistakable, and their unity on the field is evident. Andoni deserves significant recognition for the work he has done and the style of play they have adopted.
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"They are a challenging team to face, characterized by their fast-paced and aggressive approach. Tomorrow's match promises to be exciting, featuring two teams with similar styles, albeit with slight differences in execution. Both teams will be eager to secure a win."
