After inviting team staff to his home in Riyadh, Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan spoke about his vision for the future, warning Eddie Howe and his players not to take the previous year’s success for granted.
One hundred workers visited Al-Rumayyan’s residence in the Saudi capital this week, including Howe and co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
“It was a special moment for the president to welcome us into his home,” Howe said. ‘We didn’t underestimate it, it was a really nice gesture. It’s not every day you get that invitation, so we’re honored to accept it.
He was very good to us, he communicated his thoughts and visions for the future. I really enjoyed spending time with him and his family. It was very welcoming and open, and I’m sure the players feel the same way. He was very good with them. He interacts and talks with them in a very good way.
“I think it’s very important for the team. He wants to recognize that and bring everyone together. He speaks very well and honestly, and I’m sure the players appreciated his words. It was, ‘Well done, but we want more, we’re very ambitious.’ I think that’s what players want to hear.
He has been very happy watching the team, how they have fought for everything. They were team messages, but very effective messages. I think it was also recognition from him to the staff. It was nice for everyone to share that moment. Howe said.
