Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said he expects a big response from his players following the 4-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad last weekend.
The Magpies were hoping to climb the table ahead of that tie but Omar Marmoush’s 14-minute hat-trick, paired with James McAtee's late goal, condemned Howe’s side as they look to make a difference in their upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest.
Forest, who finished six points above the relegation zone last season, have surged into third place in this campaign, but Newcastle, in seventh, are looking to close the gap for a place in the top four.
Howe said: “There are no certainties in football, that I can say with no doubt. But I think there is an understanding that we didn't perform.
“There is an understanding of what we didn't do well enough. We have certainly covered that with the players and we are expecting a big response.”
Delighted about Wood's success, says Howe
Former Newcastle forward Chris Wood currently has 18 goals in the Premier League this season, and is chasing the top spot as he trails Erling Haaland (19) and Mohamed Salah (24).
Howe had nothing but praise for the 33-year-old and said that he “gave everything” for Newcastle during his time at the club.
He said: "I think he has been outstanding. Chris, when he came to us, helped us in a really difficult situation, fighting relegation.
“We felt we needed a focal point in that position. Somebody who could take a lot of pressure off of us as a team and give us a physical presence.
“I thought he did all of those things and was outstanding for the team.
"Probably under-estimated how much he affected our style and play. Then with Alex's [Isak] return to fitness and Callum's [Wilson] arrival he ended up moving on.
“Delighted for him on a personal level because he is a great character who gave everything for us.”
The Newcastle manager gave important updates on Sven Botman and Joelinton. The former, he believes, won’t be available to play at the weekend unless there is a “miracle recovery”.
“I don't think he will be fit and available for this weekend. We are going to have to see how things stand over the weekend for next week,” Howe said.
He added: “He is making progress but just not as quickly as we wanted him to. He’s very much on track, just not quite ready.
"[Joelinton] is doing really well. Pushing, as Joe always does. We just need to make sure we introduce him at the right time."
There is good news for Magpies fans, however, with Howe talking highly of Emil Krafth and Martin Dubravka amid new contracts being signed.
He said: “Yeah pleased to sign Martin to a new contract, I thought he was important in January and we definitely didn't want to destabilise the team or the group with a departure in a position we couldn't afford.
"I don't see a change in Martin, he is very experienced especially during that month of January which was probably the most challenging time for him.
“There was a bit of uncertainty around his future and he responded really well to that, partly down to his experience. It's over now and he can just focus on his football.
"With Emile, his character and attitude stands out. He is a very reliable, consistent performer but his versatility and his ability to play different roles is so important for a small squad to have a player who can cover various positions.
“Whenever he has played this year he has been very, very good."
