Coach of Newcastle speaks publicly following hospitalization due to pneumonia.
In a surprising turn of events, Eddie Howe, the gaffer of Newcastle United, made a comeback to the scene on Friday, gracing a press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against Ipswich. The resilient manager started off by admitting that he's not at his full strength physically but is almost there mentally, which, as he stressed, is the most crucial element. This announcement came after a brief stay in the hospital due to a bout with pneumonia.
"I'm feeling good, not entirely myself physically, but mentally, I'm nearly there, which is the vital aspect," Eddie fiercely declared.
He recounted the challenging experience, expressing gratitude for his optimistic outlook throughout. "Health is often taken for granted. When you're deprived of that normal feeling, it can be tough. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm fortunate to be on the mend," he shared candidly.
Before thanking the medical professionals who played a pivotal role in his recovery, he couldn't help but laud the National Health Service of England for their exemplary treatment. "Without a doubt, the care I received from the NHS was nothing short of extraordinary," he emphasized wholeheartedly.
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Recall that Eddie spent several days in the hospital following his hospitalization on April 11. However, his recovery has been remarkable, largely due to the quick intervention of the club doctor, Paul Catterson. He extends his gratitude to Catterson for averting potential complications.
After taking a brief hiatus for training, Eddie returned to the field on April 24-25, cautiously focusing on gaining physical strength while ensuring he stays mentally sharp. The 47-year-old missed three crucial matches during his absence, including two victories against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, as well as a loss to Aston Villa.
Up next for Newcastle is the match against Ipswich on April 26, followed by trips to Brighton and Chelsea, home fixtures against Arsenal and Everton. The team currently occupies the fifth spot, just two points ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa, in the race for Champions League qualification. Although assistant Jason Tindall steered the ship during Eddie's absence and managed to secure impressive results, Eddie is eager to contribute his strategic insights during the season's critical final stages. Despite his compromised physical state, Eddie's determination remains unshaken, and his presence on the sideline is set to bolster Newcastle's European aspirations.
What about Eddie's return to management during his recovery from pneumonia in the Premier League? The National Health Service in England played a significant role in his treatment, and Eddie expressed his gratitude for their exceptional care. His first match back will be against Ipswich, followed by games against Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, and more. Despite missing three crucial matches, Newcastle currently sits in fifth place, just ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification. Given his optimistic attitude and determination, it's expected that Eddie will provide crucial strategic insights to help Newcastle achieve European-league status.
