EDDIE Howe is excited about facing his first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby as Newcastle United manager, which will be against Sunderland. Although the two teams met in the FA Cup in 2024, Howe said that a league derby is different in terms of atmosphere and importance.
 |
| Richard Sellers, PA Images / Alamy / Profimedia |
The Newcastle manager shared that he has felt the rivalry since joining the club, mentioning funny but meaningful moments, like the reactions he saw during the Great North Run.
He also said that living in the city has helped him understand the passion behind the derby better than just watching it from a distance.
Howe believes the intense rivalry between the teams adds a special element to football, and he feels that televised matches can't fully capture the emotions felt by fans at the stadium.
He thinks being there in person really shows how strong the bond is between the clubs, their cities, and their supporters.
As the match approaches, Howe sees the derby as a great challenge.
He wants to embrace big games and hopes that Newcastle can give their fans a memorable experience by playing with pride and delivering a performance they'll remember.