Anthony Elanga says Eddie Howe has urged him to “be patient” and trust that his form will return, as the Newcastle United winger looks to rediscover the spark that earned him a £55 million move from Nottingham Forest last summer.
Speaking to Fotboll Skanalen while on international duty in Sweden, Elanga opened up about his early struggles at St James’ Park and the consistent support he has received from his manager during a challenging start to life in the North East.
“He’s a great coach and a great person,” Elanga said of Howe. “You can talk to him if you want to talk about something. He tells me to be patient and that everything will be fine.”
Howe’s faith in Elanga remains firm
Despite Newcastle’s inconsistent campaign and Elanga’s lack of end product, Howe continues to back the 23-year-old winger to come good. The Swedish international has yet to score in 17 appearances this season, contributing just one assist in 736 minutes of football.
While supporters have voiced frustration, Howe’s approach has been one of calm reassurance, telling the player that his confidence and rhythm will return through hard work and time in the system.
The former Manchester United academy graduate remains grateful for that belief, describing Howe’s man-management style as “open and personal.”
“He’s always positive with me,” Elanga added. “He keeps reminding me that things take time when you move to a new club. That’s helped me stay focused.”
Patience key as Elanga adapts to life at St James’ Park
Elanga’s explosive pace and direct style made him a standout performer during two productive seasons at Nottingham Forest, where he recorded 11 goals and 21 assists across 82 appearances. But adapting to Newcastle’s structure and Howe’s tactical expectations has proven more complex.
He currently finds himself behind Jacob Murphy in the pecking order for the right-wing role, though Howe’s rotation policy and congested schedule could yet offer fresh chances after the international break.
| Stat (2025/26) | Anthony Elanga |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 736 |
| Pass Accuracy | 81% |
source: Transfermarkt – 13 November 2025
Those numbers underscore a player still adjusting, but Newcastle’s coaching staff remain optimistic that once Elanga finds consistency in front of goal, he will become a valuable attacking weapon.
Our View: Howe’s trust could spark Elanga revival
In our view, Howe’s calm management of Elanga is the right approach. The winger’s struggles mirror those of several wide players adapting to the tactical demands of Newcastle’s pressing system. However, his attitude, athleticism, and willingness to learn give him every chance to succeed once confidence returns.
If Elanga can add composure to his end product, the second half of the season could see a sharp turnaround — something both player and manager will be desperate to achieve as Newcastle look to climb the table.
Key Insights
- Eddie Howe keeps telling Elanga to “be patient” and trust the process.
- The winger has 17 appearances this season but just one assist so far.
- Howe continues to back him despite calls for more immediate impact.
- Elanga says the Newcastle boss is “a great coach and a great person.”
- The Swede is confident that consistent minutes will spark improvement.
What’s Next
Elanga is expected to feature for Sweden during the international break before returning to Newcastle’s squad for their Premier League fixture against Manchester City on 22 November. With a busy winter schedule ahead, he’ll be hoping for more minutes — and a chance to silence his early critics.
👉 Newcastle fans — do you think Howe’s faith in Elanga will pay off before the end of the season?
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