Newcastle striker Callum Wilson jokes he was ‘grateful for the break’ from Eddie Howe after seven years under him at Bournemouth for the St James’ Park reunion, but the manager insists his ‘intense’ style helps him get the best out of it get players
Callum Wilson joked that he was ‘grateful to have a break’ from Eddie Howe after joining the Newcastle manager after six years at Bournemouth.
The England striker has been in remarkable form in recent weeks, netting eight goals in April to become The Magpies’ top goalscorer this season.
His record since joining Newcastle in 2020 is outstanding, with 36 goals in 72 league appearances.
When asked on Sky Sports what had inspired his recent form, Wilson replied: ‘Probably a kick in the butt.
“I found myself falling out of the team, and when you’re on the team that long, complacency can set in. That competition brought out the best in me.’
Callum Wilson is Newcastle’s top goalscorer this season after a superb run of form
He joked he was ‘grateful’ for a break from Eddie Howe after working with him at Bournemouth and Newcastle
Of his relationship with Howe, he added: ‘I was with him at Bournemouth for six or seven years, then luckily I had a little break of two years! I need to relax a bit.
“It’s nice to have that intensity day in, day out, when you train like that you see the results on the field and over time you’ve seen him develop as a coach.”
Howe, who took Newcastle from 19th to the brink of Champions League qualification in just 18 months, admitted he is an intense manager but feels it helps him improve players.
“My leadership style is intense,” he said, “but it’s intense for the players, I want them to have the best career they have.”
The 45-year-old is credited with his ability to improve the players he inherited at Newcastle, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar and Joelinton shining since his arrival.
The Magpies are favorites for Champions League qualification with three games to play
The Magpies are currently third in the league, three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with a better goal difference.
They appear to be clear favorites to qualify for Champions League football for the first time in 20 years, but are currently drawing 2-2 with Leeds at Elland Road.
Wilson scored two from the spot, while Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen were on target for the hosts.
Newcastle will play against Brighton on Thursday, before finishing the season with games against Leicester and Chelsea.