JUST IN: Eddie Howe lose patience on Marc Guehi chase and now blindly ready to offer Crystal Palace brilliant offer.
Newcastle United Suffer Pre-Season Defeat in Tokyo
Newcastle United experienced a setback in their pre-season preparations, losing 2-0 to Yokohama F Marinos in Tokyo’s sweltering heat. Manager Eddie Howe, who had hoped to secure a third consecutive pre-season victory following a 4-1 win against Urawa Red Diamonds, saw his team struggle in temperatures exceeding 30°C at the National Stadium.
Yokohama F Marinos took the lead in the 33rd minute through midfielder Elber, with Jun Amano doubling their advantage six minutes into the second half.
When questioned about reports of a £60 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who impressed during England’s Euro 2024 campaign, Howe declined to comment, preferring to focus on the match.
“It was a good test for us,” Howe stated, describing the game as difficult against quality opposition.
Despite a promising start, which saw debutant Lloyd Kelly set up Alexander Isak, whose pass to Sean Longstaff resulted in a saved shot, Newcastle’s performance dwindled as the match progressed.
Howe acknowledged the team’s bright beginning but noted their decline after conceding. He expressed disappointment with the result, citing insufficient threat to the opposition’s goal.
Making seven changes at half-time, Newcastle conceded again when Yuta Koike dispossessed Jacob Murphy and assisted Amano for Yokohama’s second goal.
The J.League side nearly added a third, with former Arsenal player Ryo Miyaichi testing goalkeeper Nick Pope and narrowly missing a late header.
Newcastle now return to England for a friendly against Girona on Friday, before their Premier League opener against Southampton at St James’ Park on August 17.