Eddie Howe has urged for St James’ Park to be at its raucous best as Newcastle United prepare to face Manchester City.
Eddie Howe has called for Newcastle United supporters to deliver a “ferocious” atmosphere at St James’ Park tonight.
The Toon Army were the 12th man in midweek as a 10-man Magpies outfit ended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start at Manchester United. With attention turning to the FA Cup, Newcastle are aiming to upset another Premier League giant in the space of four days.
An 8pm kick-off under the lights - with a spot in the fifth round up for grabs - promises to deliver a special occasion. The Tyneside crowd always find their voices against the big boys and those within the dressing room are well aware of the power 50,000 fanatical supporters possess.
Eddie Howe issues Newcastle United battle cry
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe has urged Newcastle fans to summon the Geordie roar to fire the team into the fifth round. He told reporters: "The crowd react to us. It is our duty to set the tone and I felt we did that against Manchester United, with a bright start, energetic and positive in our outlook trying to score and attack in the right way.
"The crowd then backed us to the very end and helped us get us over the line to win that game. We need a ferocious St James’ Park but that's going to come from our body language and start to the game.
"They're (Man City) always going to test you. They are a difficult team to pin down in every moment. It will be a proper FA Cup tie where it's one of those end-to-end games. That will suit us and we will need to get the crowd involved."
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‘It doesn’t annoy me’ - Eddie Howe
Howe also downplayed Pep Guardiola’s chats with Newcastle players. He also claimed to be unaware of the topic of conversation between the Manchester City boss and his stars.
“No, I don't think it annoys me,” Howe said. “I think that's something Pep does regularly with lots of players. I don't think it's personal to us. I think he's a football man and he's got different relationships with different players. I really respect Pep and what he does and how he coaches, how he manages.
“His teams have been fantastic for the Premier League, fantastic for football really. I think he's a revolutionary with what he does and that's just part of his psychology. I don't know what those conversations are about. I don't spend any time investing in finding out either.”
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