Lukas Hornicek officially joined Newcastle United just three days after Eddie Howe’s shock exit.

Lukas Hornicek has discussed his shock at Eddie Howe leaving Newcastle United.

Signed on August 3, the Czech Republic international arrived just four days after Howe’s resignation. A whirlwind period for the Toon hierarchy featured a managerial search, Bruno Guimaraes wanting to leave and the need for more reinforcements.

Hornicek - who arrived for £25million from Sporting Braga - had little inkling in negotiations that he would be playing for a new manager. Matthias Jaissle soon joined and immediately instilled the 24-year-old as first-choice goalkeeper.

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‘No word’ - Lukas Hornicek

Speaking to the Czech media on international duty, Hornicek discussed his panic at learning Howe would leave. However, it soon became clear that his future lay on Tyneside regardless of the manager.

“You’re right, I didn’t count on it (joining Newcastle) at all,” Hornicek said. “I had a conversation with the sporting director and goalkeeping coach. We talked about a lot of things but there was no word on the change of head coach.

“It wasn’t until the day before I signed that the agent brought it to my attention. I immediately asked if it was changing anything for me, but nothing changed about the deal.”

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Lukas Hornicek wants more

Despite enjoying a solid start to the campaign, Hornicek also outlined his desire for more. Conceding a late penalty to Liverpool on his Premier League debut still bugs the £25million shot-stopper.

“I don’t think we can be satisfied,” Hornicek said about the opening five games. “We take eight points. We know some of the points have passed us in the final minutes. It is necessary to work on the stability of our performances so that we do not have to constantly catch up.”

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