Howe disappointed in himself after 'painful' Newcastle defeat
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe applauds the fans at the end of the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on March 22, 2026. (ANDY BUCHANAN) Eddie Howe said he remains fully committed to his role as Newcastle manager but must reflect on his own performance after a damaging 2-1 derby defeat to Sunderland compounded a miserable week for the Magpies. Newcastle were humbled 7-2 by Barcelona to bow out of the Champions League in midweek and failure to end a barren spell over Sunderland in the league saw them slip behind the Black Cats and down to 12th in the Premier League.
Sunderland have still not tasted defeat in a league game between the sides for 15 years as they stretched a club-record unbeaten run in the Tyne-Wear derby to 11 matches. "Very, very painful. Most of all painful for our supporters and they're the ones I think about now," said Howe.
"I've got very little to use as an excuse. Once you haven't performed and you know how much the game means you have to accept the criticism. " Newcastle were booed off at full-time after a performance that will put Howe's future under scrutiny.
He has twice delivered Champions League football and won the club's first domestic trophy for 70 years since being appointed just under five years ago. But despite the resources of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund behind them, Newcastle's progress has stalled due to poor recruitment and having to meet financial sustainability rules. "I understand the reaction at the end of the game," added Howe.
"I'm fully committed (to the job). I'm disappointed in myself and my delivery over the last week. " Anthony Gordon's strike after 10 minutes had given Newcastle the perfect start.