Newcastle United vs Barcelona provides one of the tastiest Champions League openers this season.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick cannot wait to sample the St James’ Park atmosphere on Thursday.
Newcastle United welcome the La Liga giants to Tyneside in a mouth-watering Champions League opener. The two clubs went to battle four times in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
For many, the five-time Champions League winners provided the dream fixture. It was not too long ago that the Magpies kept tabs on how Watford and Norwich City fared, with games against Barcelona nothing but a pipe dream.
Hansi Flick on Newcastle United factor
Toon fans might have thought again after watching Barca destroy Valencia last night. Braces from Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha earned a 6-0 win and served as ideal preparation for a trip to St James’ Park.
Speaking post-match, as quoted by Goal, Barcelona coach Flick called the stadium "beautiful" as he relished the European showdown. He said: "Last season we didn't play in England, and now this is good for us.
“Newcastle's stadium is a beautiful stadium and I followed them last season. They're doing well. Their technical staff is performing well, and I'm looking forward to working with them."
Hansi Flick also furious
On Friday, Flick slammed Spain’s treatment of Lamine Yamal during the international break. The wonderkid is a serious doubt for the Newcastle game - viewed as bittersweet from home supporters hoping to see one of the world’s best.
"Lamine goes to the national team with pain, didn't train (and) had painkillers to play,” he said. “They were three goals ahead in every match and he played 79 and 73 minutes.
“Between the matches, he didn't train. This is not taking care of players. Spain have the best team in the world, in every position they are unbelievably good. I am really sad about this.
"I never really spoke with (Luis De la Fuente, Spain manager). Maybe my Spanish is not good, his English is not good, so this is a problem. Normally, the communication, because we have more players there than just Lamine, could be better. I was also on this side as a national team coach so I know how hard this job sometimes is, but the communication with the clubs was always good."
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Eddie Howe on Barcelona fixture
Eddie Howe referenced Sir Bobby Robson - a direct link between the clubs - to reporters once the draw was made. He said: "Yeah, really interesting, some great games, exciting prospects. Very competitive matches, what an opportunity to enjoy more games in the Champions League.
“It will be tough and challenging but we look forward to it. Barcelona at home - an amazing fixture for us, you get instantly drawn to that with the links with Sir Bobby Robson and the history of the club."
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