Eddie Howe defended his decision not to start club-record signing Nick Woltemade following Newcastle United's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
Woltemade scored on debut as Newcastle beat Wolves 1-0 last Saturday, but was left on the bench as the Magpies welcomed Barca to a raucous St James' Park.
Anthony Gordon was picked ahead of Woltemade, whose fellow new signing Yoane Wissa remains unavailable due to a knee injury that is expected to keep him out until after the October international break.
Gordon wasted a gilt-edged chance to put Newcastle ahead from Anthony Elanga's low cross as Howe's responded to the occasion of their league phase opener by piling on first-half pressure.
And their inability to take their first-half opportunities was eventually punished as a Marcus Rashford header followed by a stunning long-range drive in off the bar from the England international gave Barca command.
Newcastle did give themselves hope late on when Gordon pulled one back in the 90th minute, but substitute Woltemade's part in an intricate move to set up that goal only served to increase questions around Howe's selection.
📲Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Howe: 'I can't live in that world'
Yet Howe pointed the need to manage his squad when asked about his decision to omit Woltemade.
"I can't live in that world," Howe said. "I have to make decisions for the benefit of the players sometimes.
"It was a really difficult one for Nick. Any player would want to start the game, but I have got to try and manage him into the team and try and make sure he stays fit. That was always at the heart of this decision."
Howe's eyebrow-raising call was undoubtedly influenced by a quick turnaround to their next Premier League game, with Newcastle set to visit Bournemouth on Sunday.
While Woltemade will likely be required to lead the line, Gordon will serve the final game of a three-match domestic suspension, his absence for the trip to the south coast freeing him up to play the full game against Barca.
Newcastle's heart not enough
Yet Gordon will be left thinking about what might have been, his missed early chance and another that saw Harvey Barnes denied by Joan Garcia key to Newcastle coming up short despite a hugely spirited effort.
"A lot of commitment, a lot of heart from the players," Howe said of his players' display. "I thought it was a good performance without being a great one and, to beat Barcelona, it needs to be a great one.
"We had the chances. Two big moments in the first half that we didn't take and, ultimately, when you concede the first goal, the game swings on that moment."
Newcastle United news and related links
- Bruno Guimaraes draws line under Alexander Isak saga ahead of Newcastle's Champions League opener
- Newcastle fans left asking questions after latest St James’ Park decision
- Eddie Howe reveals what makes Newcastle United different for new signings like Woltemade