Howe: I dont pick players based on transfer fees
Eddie Howe has defended his decision not to start Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa during their 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Both Wissa and Woltemade watched on as Newcastle gave away a goal lead to lose their seventh game in 10 matches, with Jean-Philippe Mateta climbing off the bench and scoring two to win it for Palace.
Woltemade signed for Newcastle last summer for a club record fee of 69m but has failed to establish himself as Newcastle's main striker. Wissa joined from Brentford on deadline day for 55m.
Howe made six changes to the side that suffered a derby defeat to rivals Sunderland at St James' Park during their last outing.
Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, as well as Woltemade were among the derby starters that were dropped.
Asked about the value of the players he had on the bench and whether that played a part in the result, Howe said:
"I don't pick the team based on transfer fees, I have to pick the team based on what I see. I thought Will Osula has trained well, I think he deserved to start today. I thought he played well.
"I thought he was, again, a real positive coming out of the game. I thought he took his goal well. He's got the physical attributes, the determination to do really well.
"He's improving, I think, week in, week out, so I was delighted with his performance."
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Andrews: Summer interest in Thiago is natural
Brentford boss Keith Andrews appeared relaxed about the prospect of interest in star striker Igor Thiago after the Brazilian scored his first international goal against Croatia last week.
"We are a little bit of a part of that journey that he's been on," Andrews said.
"We feel very attached, we're so close to him and his journey and the steps that he's made this season in particular.
"The public eye, his game and his goals and the type of person he is that everyone's seeing now, it's a lovely feeling.
"[Interest from other clubs] will be just the natural way of the footballing world.
"We've got a striker who's playing particularly well in the best league in the world and scoring substantial goals.
"We're very hopeful that he will go to the World Cup. Obviously it's a dream for him to represent his country, which we've touched on before.
"And if he gets chosen, we'll be really proud of him."
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Bettinelli extends Man City stay
Marcus Bettinelli penned a one-year extension to his deal at Manchester City, keeping him at the Etihad until the summer of 2027.
The 33-year-old is City's third-choice goalkeeper and joined last summer from Chelsea.
Betinelli is yet to make an appearance for the club.
"Its a great feeling knowing Ill be at Manchester City for another season. Its a real privilege to be here and Im learning so much every day, he told Man City's official channels.
The staff have been superb - I have felt really supported since day one.
My job is to be the best I can be, push our other goalkeepers and ensure that, as a group, we are improving. I think we are definitely doing that.
Marcus has been a really good signing for us, added Director of Football Hugo Viana.
Hes a top goalkeeper and a brilliant person. Hes brought ideas and energy to our goalkeeping department and we are delighted he is staying for longer.
Its vital for any top club to have a thriving goalkeeping department and Marcus is a big part of ours.
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Pep: I didn't know Silva was leaving!
Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Bernardo Silva as his captain nears the end of his Manchester City career but claims he is yet to be told of his departure.
Silva looks set to leave City when his contract expires this summer after nine years at the Etihad Stadium, and assistant manager Pep Lijnders all but confirmed as much last week.
Every good story comes to an end and I hope he enjoys the last months because there is only six weeks and has a good farewell, said Lijnders.
There has been no official confirmation by the club or Silva, however, and Guardiola insists he is still in the dark.
The City manager said: Im so grumpy with Bernardo because a month ago I said, If you take a decision I have to be the first to (know) and he didnt say anything to me yet.
I said, jokingly, Tell me, I deserve it but he didnt tell me so I dont know whats going on!
Silva has made 450 appearances for City since his move from Monaco in 2017. His honours include six Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.
After Citys underwhelming 2024-25 season, Guardiola appointed him captain this term, believing he had the perfect attributes for the role.
The best decision I made this season, Guardiola said.
The team comes first. Sometimes politicians say something like that the country comes first but then after it never comes first but with Bernardo it is what it is.
Last season was the toughest one but he was always there, leading by example playing and training good.
Guardiola says Silva has been one of the most reliable players of his near 10-year tenure.
He said: He is really good in all departments. He plays a lot of games. Nine years we have been together and no injuries and never out.
He can play in different positions, he is so smart and reads every moment what the action and game requires.
Guardiola, whose side travel to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, values the 31-year-old for far more than goals and assists.
He said: I judge players when everything is difficult and he always steps up and says he is here to help.
He has been an incredible signing for us, incredible. I love this club amazingly and I would love if he could stay and finish his career here but I do not know.
He will decide what he will decide and announce to the club and the media and the fans. It is his decision.
