In the wake of Arne Slot's remarks questioning Newcastle's status as a 'smaller club', Eddie Howe displayed maturity by choosing not to engage in a public exchange of words. This measured response by the Newcastle boss exemplifies professionalism and focuses the attention back on the footballing aspects of the situation.

Alexander Isak's transition to Liverpool has been marred by injury setbacks, with a recent groin issue further delaying his return to full fitness. The Swedish striker, who made a British record transfer in the summer, was in the process of regaining his match sharpness before being sidelined due to the injury sustained during the Reds' clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

While the comments from Arne Slot may have sparked controversy, Eddie Howe's primary concern remains the welfare and recovery of Alexander Isak. By not engaging in a public spat, Howe steers the focus towards supporting the player through his rehabilitation process and ensuring his seamless integration into the team once he returns to full fitness.

In the high-stakes world of football management, criticism and jibes from rival clubs are not uncommon. Eddie Howe's composed reaction to Arne Slot's remarks underscores his resilience and ability to maintain focus amidst external distractions. This deft handling of the situation reflects positively on Howe's leadership and his commitment to steering Newcastle towards a successful future.