As Liverpool’s New Year’s Eve clash with Newcastle United approaches, North East manager Eddie Howe has offered an insight into his side’s strategy.
He was quick to dismiss suggestions that his team was resorting to a “park the bus” defensive approach despite last season’s plan. Liverpool, who are currently leading the league, play at home to Newcastle at Anfield. Newcastle beat Liverpool last season to qualify for the Champions League, but their current form is not good.
They have been knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and European competition and their record is just two wins in their last six Premier League games. This dropped him to 9th place. Liverpool, on the other hand, are consolidating their dominance. This guaranteed progression to the Europa League and Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Reds’ Premier League record boasts four wins and a draw, and with players returning from injury, confidence is rising ahead of the game against Newcastle.
Despite these contrasting trajectories, Howe has stuck to his usual game plan and has no plans to switch to a defensive strategy against Liverpool. He explained to the Newcastle Chronicle: “If it was easy we would all park our buses. Anfield is a very difficult area to visit. Their record speaks for itself.” But you have to play to your strengths and be a threat in the game. I have said this many times.
If you don’t threaten them in some other way, it will play into their hands. “We’re trying to find ways to stay strong in the game but still be a threat on the other end.”Howe stressed the importance of playing to your strengths and taking risks in your game. He plans to keep the team solid in games but also promises an offensive threat.
