Howe's frustrations show as mentality questioned

This was supposed to be a news conference previewing Newcastle's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham.

But head coach Eddie Howe was never going to be asked about his respect for opposite number Marco Silva or the threat of in-form Cottagers forward Harry Wilson.

Though several days have passed since Sunday's damaging derby defeat at Sunderland, the ramifications of this limp display are still being felt on Tyneside.

"I understand all the questions being negative," Howe said. "But there's still a lot to be positive about - and we can't lose sight of that internally."

Howe was speaking as holders Newcastle look to reach the last four of the competition for the third time in four seasons.

Newcastle remain just four points off fifth place in the Premier League.

Howe's side are still on course to secure at least a play-off spot for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

But that does not tell the full story. Not by a long shot.

Every time Newcastle appear to generate a semblance of momentum, they come crashing back down to earth, before using the disappointment of a bruising loss to fuel a reaction.

That is what Newcastle will look to do again at St James' Park on Wednesday night, and Howe cut a frustrated figure at times on the eve of the game.

He railed against captain Bruno Guimaraes' assertion that it was a "mess" of a performance against Sunderland.

He said it was "not right" to suggest his side had lost their trademark intensity.

And, having previously tended to shield his players from criticism, he admitted it was a "horrible feeling" to not always know what he was going to get from them.

Howe chooses his words very carefully so his pointed comment about his side's mentality felt a very deliberate move to trigger a lasting response.

He certainly needs one.