Eddie Howe has backed Sven Botman, a defender for Newcastle United, following his recent performances.
Sven Botman, the mainstay of Eddie Howe’s defence at Newcastle United, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons for the first time in his career. Typically the Magpies’ Mr Reliable in the back, the Dutchman’s recent performances have been remarkably lacklustre; Saturday’s loss to Arsenal was exacerbated by an own goal and a subpar team effort.
Maybe comparable to how we are a little taken aback when Newcastle performs poorly because we have become accustomed to seeing such amazing performances from them most of the time. Given how successfully Botman has performed since joining the Premier League, the same reasoning can be applied to him with ease.
After taking several questions on the 24-year-old on Monday, Howe was in no mood to defend his players following Saturday’s crushing at the hands of the Gunners, but he did argue that Botman shouldn’t be singled out for the loss in the capital. The Newcastle manager told reporters, “There should be no focus on Sven; the focus needs to be on the team.”
Not a single person disappointed us. We all, myself included, weren’t at our best against Arsenal, and you get penalised if you perform poorly against the best.”
Given that Botman has been playing a little bit slower than usual in recent games, concerns about his fitness continue. Having played in all 12 of Newcastle’s games since making a comeback from a major knee injury in mid-December, there is understandably conjecture about a persistent problem following a three-month absence.
Howe went on, “Sven had a very serious knee injury,” in response to a question about whether Botman was still experiencing the effects of his recent knee injury. He’s returned to peak form, and while I believe he’s gotten better every game, I also believe he needs more time to reach his peak form. We’re keeping an eye on his knee injury and hope he can adjust to playing Premier League football without experiencing any pain.
“I doubt he is experiencing pain in his knee. He seems to be doing well, in my opinion. He’s feeling well, but you can’t play Premier League football if you’re not—I wouldn’t say 100 per cent because no player ever is. All it will take is some time for him to return to his previous level.”
After preserving a top-flight clean sheet for the last time on December 16th, when Botman came off the bench late in the game, the Magpies have now given up 25 goals in their previous eight Premier League games. However, Howe is correct when he suggests that Botman shouldn’t be the only one to face criticism.
Determinations at left-back have generated a lot of discussion, while Nick Pope’s absence in goal is still felt. Newcastle hasn’t looked confident in their defence lately, and their incapacity to switch up midfield doesn’t help.
It is now crucial to win against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round as this is a game that will decide the season. Strengthening Newcastle’s defence as the competition advances would be extremely beneficial. About Botman in particular, Howe and his followers can only cross their fingers and hope that the fan favourite finds his best form again as soon as possible.
