Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says the risk of injuries to key players led to his selection of an inexperienced lineup in Friday night’s 8-0 hammering at the hands of the A-League All Stars Men.
Howe named a youthful starting XI to take on the All Stars at Marvel Stadium; Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall were the only two first-team regulars from the recently completed Premier League season included in the squad, and neither player made an appearance off the bench as the All Stars blitzed their way to a comprehensive victory.
MATCH REPORT: 8-0! Young guns run riot as A-League All Stars Men dismantle Premier League’s Newcastle
The Newcastle boss joined Network 10 post-match and said the quick turnaround between Wednesday’s friendly clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, coupled with the proximity to the Premier League season that ended just five days ago, led to his squad selection in Friday’s heavy loss.
“I don’t think we could’ve done (played our experienced players), especially when you combine the travelling time that we’ve had (and) the quick time between the games, I think it would’ve been too big a risk of injuries,” Howe said.
“We couldn’t afford that, so we gave an opportunity to the younger lads and yeah, I think they found it tough today.”
“It was a tough one for our young lads,” Howe added.
“Still a great experience, and I think so much for them to take. But I think you could see probably the gap between experience and youth there.”
Newcastle were repeatedly exposed attempting to play the ball out from deep in defence against a hungry All Stars side.
Howe said although it was important his team didn’t stray from the game plan, the execution of their build-up play had to be better against a team that refused to give Newcastle an inch at Marvel Stadium.
“I think you have to, but obviously you have to do it better than we did today,” Howe said. “Too many mistakes forced by the All Stars, who I thought played very well.
“It was a good performance from them, but for us I think a lot of the players individually need to reflect on that, and see what they need to do to come back stronger.”
