Eddie Howe insists that he retains faith in his Newcastle squad despite the club’s difficult start to the Premier League season.
Newcastle headed into the international break on a run of three consecutive league losses, a run which leaves the Magpies 14th in the Premier League table.
After the success of last season’s Champions League qualification, it has been a challenging start to the campaign at St James’ Park.
However, Howe insists he has full faith in his players to turn around results, after a tough fixture list that has seen Newcastle face four of last season’s top seven in their opening four Premier League games.
“I think that’s how we have to be; the challenges aren’t going to go away. We had tough fixtures through pre-season, and at the start of the season. There are no easy games,” Howe told a press conference ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Brentford this weekend.
“We have to respond. The only disappointment has been Brighton. I haven’t lost faith in the group.”
Howe said he is keen not to overhype this weekend’s fixture with Brentford, but is confident his team can return to their ‘highest level of performance’.
“It’s a game we want to do well in. We don’t want to build it up any more than we have to.
“We have to approach it in the right way. We have to return to highest level of performance. If we do then I back us to get the job done.”
