Sean Longstaff: The Tougher Side Of Eddie Howe, Big Game Mentality & Newcastle’s Trophy Hunt
Oct 18, 2024
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Sean Longstaff, a midfielder for Newcastle United and lifelong fan, discusses his journey from boyhood dreams to professional football. He reveals the tough side of Eddie Howe's management approach and Newcastle's transformation from struggling to aspiring for trophies. Longstaff highlights the importance of mindset and belief in winning, alongside praise for teammates like Alexander Isak and Sven Botman. With humor and nostalgia, he reflects on the pressures of professional sports and the tight-knit community that supports their ambitions.
Sean Longstaff highlights the transformation of Newcastle United's mentality under Eddie Howe, emphasizing a shift towards serious trophy contention and competition.
The unique family connection of playing alongside his brother at Newcastle fosters pride in Sean Longstaff’s career and signifies the personal significance of football.
Deep dives
Sean Longstaff's Football Journey
Sean Longstaff discusses his lifelong passion for playing football, particularly for Newcastle United, his boyhood club. Growing up in Newcastle, the dream of donning the Newcastle jersey has been a vibrant motivation for him since childhood. He acknowledges that while his father had a successful career in ice hockey, it was football that captured his heart, despite some childhood attempts at ice skating. This deep-rooted connection to the club contributes significantly to his current success and dedication on the field.
Significance of Family in Football
Playing alongside his brother Matty at Newcastle stands out as one of Sean's proudest achievements. Matty's debut came with a remarkable goal that helped secure a victory against Manchester United, a moment that the entire family cherishes. Sean fondly recalls celebrating with his family after the game, highlighting not just the sporting triumph but the strong familial bonds that football can foster. This shared experience showcases the unique intricacies of playing for a club that holds personal significance for both siblings.
Evolution of Newcastle United
Newcastle United's transformation under current ownership and management has instilled a renewed sense of ambition within the team, according to Sean Longstaff. The club has shifted from battling relegation to aiming for significant achievements and trophy contention. The change in mentality among players is evident, with a focus on winning and competing seriously against top teams rather than merely hoping to secure points. Sean emphasizes that this evolution makes playing for Newcastle an exciting and challenging experience, amplifying the players' motivation to succeed.
Training Under Eddie Howe
Sean reflects on the intense training regimens introduced by manager Eddie Howe, which have significantly improved the team's fitness levels. The emphasis on high standards during practices creates an environment where players are constantly pushed to perform at their best. Howe's ability to blend encouragement with accountability helps maintain balance, ensuring players remain focused while enjoying the camaraderie. Sean appreciates Howe's approach, believing that it has been essential in transitioning Newcastle into a competitive force in the league.
Eddie Howe always seems like such a lovely bloke, but what is his tougher side really like? How do you build the belief to truly compete with the biggest clubs? Do Newcastle need to win a trophy for this period to be seen as successful?
Gary and Alan are joined by Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff to discuss the dream of playing for your boyhood club and what makes Alexander Isak and Sven Botman world-class players.
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