Eddie Howe happy to be going into Champions League opener on the back of a win

Planet Sport writer
17 September 2023

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is happy they were able to snap their run of games without a win before heading into their first game in the Champions League.

Newcastle went into the home game with Brentford on the back of successive losses to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, and while supporters could have been forgiven for dreaming about Tuesday night’s trip to the San Siro and the opening Group F clash with Italian giants AC Milan, Howe was not.

Asked about the prospect of being the first man to send a Magpies team out in the competition since Sir Bobby Robson two decades ago, the 45-year-old said: “Believe it or not, I’ve not really thought about it to much because you go from transfer window to the start of the season and you just put it at the back of your mind.

“But now it’s here and its the next game, it’s the next challenge for us, I’ll be immensely proud to lead the team and I’m excited for the players, I’m excited for the supporters. This is going to be a great moment for us all.

“I think we’ll enjoy it a little bit more just from the fact yes, we’ve won and there’s positivity, hopefully, returned to the squad.

“Tuesday now looks a different game for us, hopefully one we can enjoy. But as always we’re there to try to show the very best level.”

Howe and his players will fly out from Tyneside on the back of a ground-out 1-0 victory over the Bees on a day when they once again did not hit the heights, but ultimately found a way to win.

In contrast, Tuesday night’s opponents suffered a derby day nightmare as they went down 5-1 to neighbours Inter.

The points were secured by Callum Wilson’s 64th-minute penalty, awarded much to Brentford boss Thomas Frank’s consternation for goalkeeper Mark Flekken’s challenge on Anthony Gordon, but dispatched with aplomb by a man who a day earlier had signed a contract extension at St James’ Park.

Like Howe, Wilson – who had earlier seen a goal controversially ruled out – only allowed his mind to turn to Milan after the final whistle.

He told NUFC TV: “We solely put our attention and focus on this game today because we knew that to remain a Champions League club, it’s about focusing on the Premier League.

“This is our foundation, basically, and we had to get back to winning ways to start climbing up the league because after a few defeats, you find yourselves slipping down. I know it’s early on in the season, but you don’t want to be cut too far adrift from those places.”

Bees boss Frank was furious about the penalty decision – he forecast he would be receiving an apology from referees’ chief Howard Webb over it – but happy with his team’s display.

He said: “Newcastle are an extremely good team, great coach, great players and here at St James’ Park, probably one of the best home grounds in the world, it demands character to come here and play from us, from the ref in many ways.

“Last year they lost one one, home to Liverpool when they played 10 v 11, and I think we played a very even game and the frustrating thing was it was decided by an onfield decision we had nothing to do with.”