Every Word from Eddie Howe's Press Conference Ahead of Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe addressed the media in his pre-match press conference on August 15, 2025, ahead of the Magpies' Premier League opener against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The conference covered topics including team readiness, transfers, injuries, and the ongoing situation with star striker Alexander Isak.

🇸🇪 Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak: "Me and Alex have enjoyed a great relationship. I don't think he would have done as well as he’s done without that, without his team-mates, without the supporters and the backing of the whole football club. He recognises that as well." #nufc

— Ciaran Kelly (@CiaranKelly__) August 15, 2025

Opening Remarks and General Readiness

"Great to be back. You look through the summer and think it's gonna be a long break but it flashes by. A lot has happened. We've been busy and active. We're pleased to be here."

On Feeling Refreshed

Question: Are you refreshed, Eddie?
"I'm ready for a break, actually..." (said with a smile and a laugh).

On Starting the Season Strongly

"Progression, improvement, more control in our performances, more dominant displays. We want to score goals and to attack. The league is so hard, the challenges are difficult. I feel we will be stronger when we have our full compliment of players. We need to find ways to win games when we are not playing our best."

On Alexander Isak's Involvement This Weekend

Question: Has Eddie asked Alex to be involved this weekend?
"Of course, I've said many times I want him to train and play and I've had those conversations with him but the details of these conversations need to remain private."

On Any Changes Regarding Isak This Week

Question: Firstly has there been any change on the Isak front?
"No change this week. All my focus has been on training, Villa, and on the transfer front in terms of trying to get players in."

On Expecting Isak to Stay Beyond August

Question: Do you expect Alexander Isak to be a Newcastle player beyond August?
"At the moment I would say yes but I've had no change of feeling throughout the summer. He's contracted to us but it's out of my hands."

On His Relationship with Isak

"I've had a great relationship with Alex. You need that with every player. I take my part in that relationship really importantly. I have to work really closely with the player to his benefit."

On Isak's Situation Impacting the Squad

Question: Alex's actions bringing squad closer together?
"Sometimes these things can have that effect. I think we were really close anyway. I don't know if I can say it's brought us closer together. But sometimes these things can unify the group. Without Alex, everyone is going to have to step up and give more."

On the Transfer Market for Centre-Forwards

"It's a small field. The centre-forward market this year is as tight as I've ever known it. But we're still actively looking and I think there is someone there to meet our requirements."

On Further Transfers

"We are still active in the window. We want to add one or two more players. Quality over quantity. We don't want to do too much more. We are strong in certain areas of the squad."

On New Signing Malick Thiaw

"Malick will be part of the squad. He's trained for two days. It's never easy coming in at the end of pre-season when our work is almost done but in the little bits we've seen, we've signed a top quality player."

On Injury Updates

"Joe [Willock] is not too far away but everyone is available. We've got a good squad in terms of injury news. The majority have come through pre-season."