Howe taking articulate approach to solving Newcastle’s woes ahead of Athletic Bilbao clash

Eddie Howe says he didn’t read the riot act to his Newcastle players following their dismal display at West Ham on Sunday but admits they need to go back to the “basic fundamentals” against Athletic Bilbao tomorrow night.

The Magpies were beaten 3-1 at the London Stadium despite taking an early lead and produced a lethargic display as their winless run away from home in the Premier League stretched to an eighth game.

Asked if he had had some strongly-worded conversations with his players over the past two days, Howe said: “I don’t think riot acts is the right word. I think when you produce a performance like we did against West Ham, you have to use that as a turning point. You have to be articulate and explain to the players what they have to do better. It’s a return to the basic fundamentals of how we play and then hoping we perform at a really high level.

“It feels like we’ve had a lot of time since [that game]. Whenever you deliver a performance like that, there are a number of factors to reflect on. But the focus very quickly turns to the next game with Europe. We have looked at it hard but now we have to move on. It’s never a nice thing but we have digested it and need to make sure the performance is better.”

Woltemade was fatigued – Howe

Howe replaced Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon at half-time at the weekend and, after the match, said he could have taken off many more.

He added today: “With Nick we have thrust him into every single game near enough and he looked a little bit fatigued so it was a decision to benefit Nick and the team going forward.

“With Anthony, he has played very well in the Champions League but he hasn’t played quite as well in the Premier League and that is now his challenge.”

Howe has discussed Gordon’s poor form with England winger

Gordon has been particularly poor in recent weeks with his last goal involvement in the Premier League coming back in January.

“I’ve had many discussions with Anthony,” Howe said. “He is a very honest player, there is no lack of effort or commitment to do well and he is very driven to succeed. We need more from everybody in the Premier League, it is not just Anthony. The league is of such a high level and there are added challenges for us mentally when we return from European games or cup games and that is something we have to do better.”

Athletic will be without both Williams brothers – Nico and Inaki – at St James’ Park due to injury but Howe has his own problems with a virus sweeping through the camp.

He said: “Various players have picked something up. Sandro [Tonali] initially, Jacob Murphy, Kieran [Trippier] and now Bruno. [Guimaraes] We will make a decision on Bruno tomorrow.”