Eddie Howe doesn't regret not starting Nick Wotlemade in last night's defeat to Barcelona
Many Newcastle United fans were dismayed when the Newcastle United team news was released last night, and it was clear that Anthony Gordon would be playing as a centre-forward.
Seemingly, only Eddie Howe in the entire North East thinks that Gordon is a capable substitute for a striker, as all the talk on social media before and after kick-off was about the absence of Nick Woltemade and Howe's decision to go with Gordon up front.
Ironically, it was Anthony Gordon who scored Newcastle's only goal of the game, but that came from him playing in his preferred position on the left flank.
Before reverting to his natural role, Gordon looked lost up top and was barely in the game except for his air-shot in the fourth minute that many believe would have been buried had a proper striker been on the pitch.
Eddie Howe wants to manage Nick Woltemade's fitness and also hints at a potential issue with Jacob Murphy
Naturally, Eddie Howe was asked about his decision to drop Saturday's goal hero Nick Woltemade in his post-match press conference and whether he regrets the call in hindsight, but the Newcastle gaffer was resilient in his response (via The Chronicle).
"I can't live in that world; I have to make decisions for the benefit of the player sometimes.
"It was a really difficult one for Nick, of course, any player would want to start every game, but I have to try to manage him into the team.
"And make sure he stays fit, and that was always at the heart of this decision. Knowing that we have Anthony suspended for the next game as well.
"It is the same for Jacob Murphy as well, he is nursing an achilles problem and we just want to keep the majority of the squad as fit and healthy for as long as possible."
Nick Woltemade should return to the starting lineup on Sunday
We can understand the need to protect Woltemade, especially with Yoane Wissa missing for at least another five matches, but at the same time, these guys are paid to play football.
It does sound as though Howe knows he probably messed up by playing it safe last night, but as he's one for always looking at the positive, he's not going to dwell on it.
Hopefully, Woltemade will start on Sunday at Bournemouth and give us all another look at what he can do.
