Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has set his sights on a return to the Champions League, calling it a potential “game-changer” for the club’s future.
Fresh off ending their 56-year trophy drought with a dramatic League Cup victory over Liverpool, the Magpies are now shifting focus to securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. Over 300,000 fans flooded Newcastle to celebrate their triumph, but for Howe, the real battle is just beginning.
As Newcastle prepares to face Brentford at St James’ Park on Wednesday, the competition for a Champions League spot is heating up. Sitting in sixth place, the Magpies are in a fierce contest with several clubs, with 10th-placed Bournemouth trailing by just three points. However, a strong performance by English teams in Europe this season could mean a top-five finish will be enough for Champions League qualification.
Speaking on Tuesday, Howe emphasized the stakes:
“It could be game-changing—not just in terms of revenue, but in terms of competition and preparation. Champions League football changes everything, as we learned last season with the extra fixtures.”
Despite their League Cup success, Newcastle has struggled with consistency, suffering three home defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Howe admitted the challenge lies in maintaining their best form.
“Can we be that team we were against Liverpool? You can’t be at your peak every game, but you must reach a standard that wins matches. That’s our goal.”
With the race for the top spots tighter than ever, Newcastle must find ways to grind out victories, even when not at their best. As the season reaches its final stretch, every game becomes a must-win in their quest to return to Europe’s elite stage.
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