Joelinton admits Newcastle United needs some work behind the scenes to reach its goal of being the best club in the world. But the midfielder from Brazil is still sure the Magpies are moving in the right direction, even though stadium plans have stopped.

Newcastle was supposed to decide on the future of St. James’ Park in 2025. For over a year, there were talks about either fixing up the current stadium or building a brand new one somewhere else in the city.

But, new CEO David Hopkinson told fans at the beginning of last month that they would be staying at St. James’ in pretty much its current state for years to come, putting off any stadium changes.

Hopkinson shared that while they're still working on the training ground, the current improvements won't make it a ten-out-of-ten facility.

Eddie Howe said that the stadium and training ground situation is in limbo at the moment. This doesn't line up with Hopkinson's goal of being in the conversation to be the best club in the world.

Joelinton agrees with the CEO's big plans for the future. He knows that the lack of progress off the field isn't ideal, but he's confident that Newcastle is still on the right track and getting better.

“The team wants to be one of the best in the world,” Joelinton said after Newcastle beat Burnley 3-1 on Tuesday night. To do that, you have to be the best in every way, with the training ground, with everything to help the players be their best on the field.

“But I do think the club is going in the right direction. It is not easy to build something like that overnight.

“The club has gotten a lot better since I got here. It is going in the right direction; I just hope that we can be the best in the world with everything, the training ground and the stadium.”

“But I love St. James' Park the way it is. And I hope I can play more games there too.”

On the field, Newcastle moved back into the top half of the Premier League table after their win at Turf Moor.

The Magpies have had an up-and-down season so far. Their away games haven't been great. But Howe mentioned earlier this week that they are in a good spot in the Premier League, in a playoff spot in the Champions League, and have a two-game Carabao Cup semi-final coming up against Manchester City.

It won't take much to turn this season around, and Joelinton believes that he and his teammates are ready to make it happen.

“Every game has to be a fight now,” said Joelinton. “That has to be how we think going into 2026. Every game is like a final, and you have to give it your all. We will fight for every ball, for every game, and hopefully win more games.”

Joelinton played at Burnley for the first time since getting a groin injury in the Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen. He's happy to be back before the home games this week against Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

“It has been frustrating to be away from the team and only be on the bench and not be able to play in the important games we've had,” he said. “I am happy to be back now. I know I am important to the team.

“I know when I am at my best, I can help the team. I hope I can get back to my best and play my best football to help the team. I was very happy to get my first goal after one year in the Premier League, to score in such an important game.

“We know we have been inconsistent this season, but I believe in the squad and believe in everyone here. I think we have a great team and great people, and I think we can turn this season around and be successful.”

Eddie Howe’s team barely scraped by Burnley, grabbing only their second Premier League away win this season.

The Magpies jumped ahead quickly with a goal from Joelinton at Turf Moor. Soon after, Yoane Wissa, in his debut Premier League start for the club, made it 2-0. Josh Laurent then scored an awesome volley, cutting the lead in half. Newcastle clung to their lead until Bruno Guimaraes scored a third goal during stoppage time.

It wasn't a pretty game for Newcastle United on that cold night in Lancashire. They needed those three points, especially after that tough loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday.

This win nudged Howe’s team into the top half of the Premier League, with Crystal Palace and Leeds United up next. But, let's be real, their play didn't exactly inspire confidence that they've turned things around away from home.

Eddie Howe shared his thoughts on Newcastle United’s win over Burnley. What’s the answer to their away game struggles? Howe thinks it boils down to ‘confidence.’

“I think we've been close before. I feel we're headed in the right direction when you look at how we’re playing, Howe said as he talked about his team’s showing.

“If you keep playing well, you’ll win. Manchester United is a good example. I don’t think we played badly, and we had chances to get more from the game. We didn't score, but we played well overall.

“I think we will win games because of the kind of play that we have, and that’s what happened. We're not feeling super confident right now, which is clear.

“But, I think it’s mostly a confidence thing. And the only way to fix that is to win the next game.”

Howe said this: “It was a huge win for us. I don't think it matters how we got it. We just needed to get it.

“We started really strong, knowing how crucial this game was. I can’t say enough about how the players fought through it.

“That second half was significant for us. We had to make it.

“I give the players credit for finishing the game and showing the team's character.”

Newcastle United now has a few days to chill after the win at Turf Moor before heading back to Tyneside for four home games in a row. First up is Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday. After that, they’re up against Daniel Farke’s Leeds United at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, January 7.

Then, they’ve got two cup games against Premier League teams. They’re hosting Bournemouth in the FA Cup and then playing the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City.