A bad week for Newcastle United got worse on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s injury-hit side were beaten at Bournemouth just days after their Champions League defeat away at Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle were dealt more injury worries too, with Miguel Almiron forced off and Sean Longstaff appearing in some pain.
The international break now comes at a good time for Howe and his side. While there will be plenty of internationals away, it at least affords some rest time after a relentless run of games.
It was a frustrating evening on the south coast and Kieran Trippier appeared to have words with a fan.
Kieran Trippier explains what he told Newcastle fan after Bournemouth loss
Speaking to Sky Sports, Trippier explained the conversation.
The England international said: “The fans are emotional, they have travelled a long way. I had a chat with one of them, saying we are giving everything and there’s no need to panic.
“We got beat and we apologise for that result but the lads are giving everything.”
Newcastle: Frustration expected but let’s not get carried away
Yes, the last two results have been bitterly disappointing.
Still, dealing with an injury crisis, not much can be drawn from this particular defeat. Howe was missing so many players that it does not really offer a reflection on the first-choice starting lineup.
Of course, fans have every right to be frustrated particularly after such a long journey but the context is just as important as the result.
As Trippier says, there is little need to panic about Newcastle’s season. They have proven last year was not just a flash in the pan and there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic considering the names set to come back into the fold.
Things aren’t easy right now – but they will get better.
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