Patient Harvey Barnes an example to Newcastle squad, says Eddie Howe

Newcastle Boss Howe Praises Barnes’ Patience Ahead of Leicester Return

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has lauded Harvey Barnes’ patient approach as the winger prepares to face his former club Leicester City for the first time since his move. The Newcastle squad is benefiting from Barnes’ professional attitude as he vies for a regular starting spot in the competitive Premier League.

Barnes’ Return to Leicester Highlights Squad Depth

The 27-year-old Barnes made a £38 million switch from the King Power Stadium to Newcastle in July 2023 following Leicester’s relegation. Since joining the Magpies, he has demonstrated considerable patience, competing with Anthony Gordon for a position on the left flank of Howe’s attacking trio.

Recent events, including Gordon’s suspension and subsequent injury, have presented Barnes with a significant opportunity. He notably started in the Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool. As Newcastle prepare for their trip to the East Midlands, Howe faces a selection dilemma, choosing between Barnes and the returning England international, Gordon.

Howe’s Challenge to Players: “Take Your Chance”

When questioned about what Barnes needs to do to secure a regular place in the starting lineup, Howe emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities. “I think it’s continue to take your chance,” Howe stated. “I always say that to every player. The training ground is match day for the lads that aren’t playing, so they need to see training as that important. They need to impress me. They need to demonstrate that they’re superior to the player in their position, and that’s a really healthy squad dynamic to have. So for anyone not playing, that’s how they need to view it.”

Barnes’ Opportunity Amidst Competition

Barnes’ arrival at St James’ Park coincided with Gordon’s impressive form, creating immediate competition for places. Howe’s earlier attempts to integrate both players into the starting eleven yielded limited success. Consequently, Barnes has primarily had to remain patient and strive to make an impact as a substitute. However, his displays during Gordon’s absence have given the manager food for thought regarding team selection and Barnes’ potential role in the push for Champions League qualification.

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Focus on Improvement and Team Balance

Howe elaborated on the club’s approach to Barnes’ development: “We’ve really tried to focus on Harvey’s game and his training and try to perceive it as an opportunity to improve him while he’s out of the team, while acknowledging his qualities and knowing that we want him in the team. That’s a very difficult thing because we probably didn’t have the balance of the side right early season. We were experimenting with players in different positions to try and find a way to make that work. We didn’t probably achieve the right outcome then.”

Leicester Return a Significant Occasion for Barnes

Barnes will be eager to showcase his abilities in familiar surroundings, reminding Howe of the reasons behind his acquisition, particularly as the race for coveted Champions League spots intensifies. “I’m sure the game will mean a lot to Harvey,” Howe acknowledged. “It was a very successful period for him at Leicester. I recall every time we played Leicester, he posed a significant threat to us.”

Respect for Leicester’s Past Strength

Howe further commented on Leicester’s team during Barnes’ tenure: “They had a really good team at the time, a very iconic Leicester team, very, very strong, and we consistently had really tough games against them. Therefore, I’m delighted that Harvey’s now with us and contributing to Newcastle’s ambitions this season.”