Eddie Howe has urged his players to maintain emotional control in Sunday’s highly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland, following a physical reverse fixture that left defender Dan Burn with severe injuries.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has warned his squad against “reckless” behavior as they seek their first home league win over Sunderland since 2011.
The match is fueled by a December incident where Nordi Mukiele’s challenge left Dan Burn with a punctured lung.
While acknowledging the intense atmosphere, Howe emphasized tactical discipline over pure aggression, stating, “For us though, there is an element of control, and we want the players not to be reckless.”
The early “high noon” kickoff at St James’ Park follows Newcastle’s recent Champions League exit and a historic Carabao Cup triumph.
Despite the bitter rivalry and the “immediate nature” of the early start, Howe remains focused on technical execution rather than pure physical retribution.
Reflecting on the local passion, he noted, “It’s only when you come here you realise that it’s much bigger than you think.”