'Not good' - Malick Thiaw's damning Newcastle United verdict highlights Eddie Howe's biggest problem
Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw criticised his side following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Fulham.
Malick Thiaw hit out at the attitude of Newcastle United as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Fulham on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.
A disappointing domestic season saw the Magpies finish the Premier League season in 12th, the club’s lowest finish since the 2021 takeover.
Newcastle’s 17 league defeats was only surpassed by the three relegated sides.
Malick Thiaw criticises ‘not good’ NUFC attitude
Thiaw started 33 matches in his debut Premier League season but was unable to help the side secure a final day win at Craven Cottage.
“Of course, we wanted to finish the season in the best way, with a win,” Thiaw said after the Fulham defeat.
“I think today was not a good performance from us, attitude-wise as well. I think we didn't perform. We started well into the game in the first 10 minutes, but afterwards, I think it was disappointing.”
In addition to finishing 12th, Newcastle reached the semi-final of the Carabao Cup and last-16 of the FA Cup and Champions League.
Assessing his season on the whole, Thiaw added: “If you look at how we performed in the cup games, we played against Man City, who won both of the competitions.
“In the Champions League, I think we did also alright. But in the Premier League, of course, we have to improve. That's not what we want.
“We have to go better for our expectations. We have to think about what we can do better, to have a better season in the Premier League.”
‘Amazing’ debut season
Thiaw played over 50 games in all competitions in his debut campaign for Newcastle. In a much scrutinised 2025 summer transfer window, the German was viewed as the most successful signing on the whole.
“It's really amazing, I'm really grateful for this opportunity to play in the Premier League,” Thiaw continued.
“That's what I would have dreamed of. I'm learning a lot of things, improving, but I'm quite happy with how I got into the Premier League. I think, the first season I did well.”