Eddie Howe responds to being BOOED by Newcastle fans for taking Sandro Tonali off in defeats by Brighton and Chelsea

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Eddie Howe has asked supporters not to boo his substitutions as he called for unity amid Newcastle’s winless run.

Fans have let their feelings be known during the last two matches when Howe has withdrawn Sandro Tonali not long after the hour mark.

Newcastle have slipped to 12th in the Premier League after five without victory and, while some fans and observers have criticised the functionality of the team’s midfield, there are others who believe it has been wrong for Howe to take off Tonali. He has been replaced by Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff in recent matches.

Howe, though, would rather the booing did not happen during a game, as he asked supporters and the team to stay together ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Chelsea.

‘Firstly, I love the fact supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as I do,’ he said. ‘The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations towards me or any decisions are reflected after the game, not in the moment. I think it’s difficult then for the players coming onto the pitch. Not that it should necessarily affect their performance, but it just does create an element of doubt.

Sandro Tonali has been taken off in Newcastle's last two matches against Brighton and Chelsea

Fans have booed Eddie Howe for taking the midfielder off on both occasions

Howe has called on Newcastle fans to not show their frustrations until after games

‘The difficult decision I have, especially in midfield, is that we have three outstanding players starting the game (Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton). Then, you’re losing the game and you’re trying to make changes that you feel can help us, without leaving it too late. Ultimately, I’ve judged it on goals and creativity and trying to get as many of them in the team as I can when we chase a game.’

Howe added: ‘At this moment, it is very important I back the players - show strength, show calmness in what I believe in what we are doing, but not blindlessly carrying on if things are not working.

‘Unity is the most important thing. The hardest thing when the team isn’t getting the results that we want is to stay unified. The supporters have been incredibly good, look at them at Stamford Bridge (on Sunday). 

‘We talk about the reaction to Sandro’s substitution, and I understand that, but the reaction after the game was incredible. It is not the first time they have backed us in defeat or difficult runs. It means so much to us because it gives us the best chance to fight back as quickly as possible.’

Tonali has not scored since his debut against Aston Villa on the opening day of last season - albeit with a 10-month betting ban in between - and that was also the only time he has started a Premier League match Newcastle have won.

Howe said following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea that he believed there was more to come from the Italian, and he added: ‘Of course there is more to come from him and the whole team. More from him means more influence on the game. Technically, he is an outstanding player. To see that technical ability, we want him to get the ball more. 

Howe is still trying to get the best out of Tonali, and wants to see him on the ball a lot more

‘Playing as a No.8 we need more of a goal threat, too. That is such a key thing for the players in those positions. We have struggled for goals as a team. We need goals from every angle. Everyone has to contribute.’

Meanwhile, Howe has given a robust defence of his midfield unit.

‘I am happy (with the midfield),’ he said. ‘I don’t think it’s absolutely perfect at the moment, because the results will tell you it’s not. But if you look at the team functioning, especially in the last three performances, we’ve been good in the main. We have been creating chances and have been more than competitive. I don’t see something that is drastically wrong looking at the team.

‘The results will say the blend isn’t great, but I think our general performances in midfield I haven’t had an issue with. I don’t have a negative issue with our midfield. We have three outstanding starting players. Relationships do take time to build. These things don’t happen overnight, but I’ve seen enough to know that those three players can work in tandem together well.’