Howe to cope with success

KYLIAN MBAPPE will grace St James’ Park on Wednesday night, ankle sprain permitting.

Last week it was Pep Guardiola’s European champions losing on Tyneside.

After the international break, the Geordies have seven games in 21 days including Dortmund home and away, Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal.

It’s 16 games in 74 days in all between September 16 and the end of November.

Seven games in 21 days after the October internationals.

Between now and Christmas, Eddie Howe has 19 team talks to give – more if Toon progress in the EFL Cup.

This is what being at the elite end of football looks like. Relentless and demanding. The traditional top six are used to it. On Tyneside it is something new and to be adjusted to.

In the last two seasons Howe (left) prepared “thoroughly” for games over the course of a week.

Now it is “thorough but condensed” into a day or two. They hardly need to train physically.

It is all about managing players’ loads, staying refreshed physically and emotionally for the highs of the extra games.

How to cope is a constant theme. Howe has an improving squad but Harvey Barnes is out until the New Year and Callum Wilson needs nursing through after games.

But Howe came up with his best formula for managing the chaos in beating Man City. He trusted his squad. No one expected Paul Dummett to come in, let alone give a magnificent performance.

Jamaal Lascelles too can be weaved in when needed. Players who’d been out of the picture, lifted by the positivity around the club.

Tino Livramento’s great debut means Kieran Trippier can be rested while teenagers Lewis Miley and Lewis Hall are ready for more action.