Eddie Howe responds to Yasir Al-Rumayyan ahead of Champions League draw
Eddie Howe is determined to set the "highest standards" possible after Yasir Al-Rumayyan declared his plan to make Newcastle United the "number one" club in the world.
Responding to Al-Rumayyan - the clubs' Chairman and governor of the Saudi PIF - Howe explained the importance of getting "every area of the club right", whether that be coaching, recruitment or medical departments.
The boss has also been speaking about the UEFA Champions League ahead of tonight's draw, telling TNT Sprots that there's been "a lot of preparation" behind the scenes to make sure we're well equipped for the season ahead. He accepts it'll be difficult and a new dynamic that will stretch our squad, but is excited for the challenge ahead.
Here's what he's had to say, starting with his response to Al-Rumayyan's 'number one' comment:
"It's not something I've ever thought about really, in the sense that that's the outcome.
"The way you get there - to be number one - is to have the highest standards you possibly can, to get every area of the club right, whether that's medical, recruitment, the coaching - everything.
"It's about being better and better and better, and ultimately hopefully then you try and get close to that goal of being number one.
"But I think it's probably for other people to set those targets, and for me to try and deliver it is about maintaining as high a standard as possible in every area of the football club.
"I try not to think of outcomes, I always think of how to do it."
Howe when asked how we've prepared for the return of Champions League football:
"Behind the scenes there's been a lot of preparation and making sure that we're [as] organised as we can be for the Champions League and everything that that brings.
"I think for me, I haven't really gone there yet mentally, we've got so many Premier League games before the competition starts.
"We need to make sure we're ready for it because it will be a change and an added dynamic for the season.
"I'm sure it will test us and stretch us in lots of different ways, but I think ultimately we have to look at it as a huge positive, and we're really looking forward to it."
Howe on his personal development as he bids to match the club's long-term ambitions:
"For me, it's about being the best 'me' I can be. It's educating myself as much as I can, it's about making sure I'm in the best frame of mind to attack my day every single working day, [that] is hugely important.
"And it's always about development and learning, and I always want to have that mentality right until the day I stop coaching because the game moves on so quickly.
"I'm happy with that we're delivering at the moment but we have a long way to go to fully achieve our long-term aims and ambitions."
