Howe backs Tonali despite agent talks and hails Trippier experience

Home / Football / Champions League News Howe backs Tonali despite agent talks and hails Trippier experience The Newcastle boss had a lot to say ahead of the Champions League clash with Barcelona Written by Mitch Fretton Last Update: March 17, 2026 06:25:31 pm GMT 3 min read Eddie Howe has urged those around Newcastle to forget the noise surrounding Sandro Tonali after the Italians agent suggested the midfielder could use the club as a stepping stone to a bigger move. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of Wednesdays Champions League last-16 second leg against Barcelona, Howe was strong on his defence of a player who has become central to Newcastles European campaign. At the moment, the person that matters the most in this is Sandro. So I prefer to take my lead from him. And all Ive ever seen from Sandro is someone whos totally committed, very much part of the team, very selfless at times. Hes here for the team. Hes not necessarily here for himself.Howe also pointed to Tonalis resilience following the betting ban that threatened to derail his career after joining from AC Milan. He had a really difficult moment when he first joined, and he showed real strength of character to get through that. Forget the noise around Sandro. Hes just fully committed. The Italian has been ill in the days leading into the tie, with Howe confirming his fitness remains to be assessed. We will have a look at Sandro today. Its an opportunity to train and well make a decision. We hope he feels strong enough.Table of Contents1 Trippiers experience invaluable2 Selection headache for HoweTrippiers experience invaluableWith the tie level at 1-1 after a draw at St James Park, Howe reserved particular praise for Kieran Trippier, whose experience of Spanish football, having spent three and a half years at Atletico Madrid, has proven invaluable in the build-up. Howe revealed the veteran right-back has been drawing on his time in Spain to prepare his team-mates. Kieran always speaks and always has a few words to say, I think, in a really positive way. Hes been a great leader for me and for the players since hes arrived at this football club. He has invaluable experiences of this league that we enter.Hes telling stories to the players and to the coaches about previous games that hes had. His leadership skills, his dependability, have been really important this season. Hes been a big player for us for the injuries that weve suffered to our back line, and he continues to deliver some outstanding performances. Ive been delighted with him.Selection headache for HoweWith Anthony Gordon and the rest of the squad desperate for a place in the starting eleven, Howe admitted the selection process for the Camp Nou will be his toughest call of the season. Im sure everyone in the squad will want to play this game. Ive got the tough decision to select 11 players out of the players that we have, and thats going to be a tough call, because therell be some disappointed players that really want to showcase what they can do, he added.However long you play, if youre introduced late in the game, youve got to try and make the difference. It might be someone that doesnt start the game thats the decisive match winner. So they have to look at it that way. Topics: Eddie Howe Newcastle United F.C. Sandro Tonali Follow us: Mitch Fretton Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football. Read more from Mitch Fretton