Eddie Howe angered Newcastle United fans by substituting Sandro Tonali against Chelsea.
The 24-year-old was taken off in the 68th minute, with Sean Longstaff replacing him in the Newcastle United midfield.
After the game, Eddie Howe said he wanted to give Newcastle a freshness, as he aimed to turn the tide with the Magpies losing 2-1.
The Newcastle United manager‘s substitutes did not have the desired impact, as the score remained the same.
When the number eight went up to confirm that Sandro Tonali was coming off, there were some boos from the Newcastle United supporters. This was the fourth consecutive Premier League game that Tonali has been substituted in, with the Italian seemingly not trusted to play a full 90 minutes.
Eddie Howe understands why some Newcastle fans are booing, and has now delivered a request to any Toon supporter who is not happy with the decisions he makes during a game.
Eddie Howe asks Newcastle fans to save their boos amid Sandro Tonali situation
Ahead of facing Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media.
He was asked about some Newcastle fans booing his decision to take Tonali off at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
“I think, firstly, I love the fact the supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as as I do,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
“That, for me, is really pleasing.
“The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations towards me or any decisions are reflected after the game, rather than in the moment.
“It’s difficult for those players coming onto the pitch. It just creates an element of doubt.
“The difficult decision I have in midfield is I have three outstanding players starting the game and you’re trying to make changes that will help us – without leaving it too late. It’s a delicate balance to do that.”
Eddie Howe is in a difficult position
It is understandable why some fans have been frustrated by the decision to withdraw Tonali. It is not as if he has been playing badly. In some instances, he has been the best Newcastle United midfielder on the pitch.
But Howe does need to use his bench. He needs to inject fresh energy into his side and try to change the game, especially when his team are losing.
On Sunday, Tonali was the right candidate to come off. Joelinton was moving out wide, while Bruno Guimaraes is the captain. While the armband should not make him immune to coming off, Bruno was having a decent game.
Tonali unlikely to start for Newcastle against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
Howe’s response to the boos is pretty fair. He understands it is an appreciation of Tonali’s ability, but he does not want it to hinder whoever is coming on.
In truth, there might not be a chance for Newcastle fans to boo a Tonali substitution on Wednesday night. It would be a surprise if he started the Carabao Cup game against Chelsea, as Howe will probably make some changes to his Newcastle United starting XI.
That could see Tonali drop to the bench, with Newcastle still very wary about not overloading him so soon after his 10-month absence.
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