Newcastle’s head coach, Eddie Howe, has praised Harvey Barnes for his patience, urging his squad to view the winger’s approach as an example. Barnes, who joined the Magpies in a £38 million deal from Leicester City in July 2023 after the Foxes’ relegation, has found his appearances limited by competition from Anthony Gordon. Despite this, Barnes has remained resilient and focused on seizing every opportunity that comes his way.
Barnes, now 27, has struggled to secure a regular starting spot in Newcastle’s forward line due to Gordon’s excellent form. However, Gordon’s recent suspension and injury have opened the door for Barnes to showcase his skills. Howe highlighted Barnes’s professionalism and commitment to improving, particularly during times when he was not in the starting XI. His recent performances, including starting the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, have impressed Howe and given the manager a difficult decision to make regarding his starting lineup for upcoming matches.
Howe explained that players like Barnes, who are not starting regularly, must continue to work hard in training. For players on the periphery of the squad, Howe stressed that the training ground should be seen as an extension of match day. He emphasized that players need to show their abilities in training and prove they are better than the player occupying their position. This attitude, he believes, fosters healthy competition and improves the overall dynamic within the squad.
When Barnes first arrived at St James’ Park, he faced the challenge of competing with Gordon, who was in excellent form. This meant that Barnes’s opportunities were limited, and Howe experimented with different formations and strategies to accommodate both players. While this attempt didn’t always yield the desired results, Howe acknowledged that Barnes’s time on the bench provided an opportunity for the winger to develop his game and prove his worth. Howe’s focus has been on improving Barnes’s performances, making sure that when the chance arises, he is ready to contribute.
Barnes’s persistence during this period of limited playtime has not gone unnoticed by Howe, who has recognized the winger’s qualities and remained committed to getting the best out of him. Despite the early season struggles to find the right balance in the team, Howe is now more convinced than ever of Barnes’s potential. As Barnes prepares to face his former team, Leicester, for the first time since his move to Newcastle, he will be eager to prove himself and remind Howe why he was signed in the first place.
The match against Leicester holds added significance for Barnes, given his successful time at the King Power Stadium. Howe is aware of the emotional impact the game may have on Barnes, noting that he was always a dangerous player when Newcastle faced Leicester in the past. As Newcastle continues to push for Champions League qualification, Barnes will hope that his chance to play against his former club is the moment that helps him secure a more regular place in the starting lineup.
For Howe, the upcoming match represents a chance to make a difficult decision regarding his team, balancing the form of Gordon and Barnes as both players compete for the same position. Howe’s ultimate goal is to ensure that Newcastle remains competitive and that every player, regardless of their current role, is ready to step up when needed. For Barnes, the opportunity to play against Leicester could be the perfect stage to demonstrate his growth and the qualities that made him a sought-after signing in the first place.
