Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe (Image: Adam Davy/PA)
EDDIE HOWE admits he has looked on enviously while watching the Champions League this season – hence his determination to ensure Newcastle United are back in the competition next term.
Newcastle will guarantee themselves a Champions League place if they beat Everton in their final game of the season at St James’ Park tomorrow. The Magpies could still finish in the top five if they fail to take all three points, but they will be reliant on other results going in their favour if they do not win themselves.
Last season, the Magpies enjoyed some thrilling European nights against Paris St Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, with Howe admitting he has missed not being in the Champions League during the current campaign.
“Watching the games from the outside is different to being involved in it,” said the Newcastle boss. “Watching the games this year brings back memories of our own experiences and how much we’d like to get back there and devour those moments again. You think of some of the stadiums we played at and the atmospheres we were involved in and the nearly moments where we could have achieved so much more.
“Yeah, I have watched. I have enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the final and we’d love to be back there.”
There is a huge financial incentive to return to European football’s top table, but Howe insists he is more interested in the footballing benefits of being in the Champions League.
“Football changes so quickly,” he said. “You look at the PSG team that we played to the team now. You see the growth in that team, and it’s been great to see. They’re one of my favourite teams to watch in world football at the moment.
“Of course, we’d love to stay with that level because that level improves your own players, there’s no doubt. It improves your own team and your ability to do well in your respective domestic competitions, so the prize is a big one.”
Whatever happens tomorrow, Newcastle are set for a summer of significant transfer activity, meaning the final game of the current campaign could be the final outing in a Magpies shirt for some of the players involved.
“I'm not sure about the thought it's going to be huge change in the summer,” said Howe. “There could be. I'm in a position where I don't know what's going to happen.
“You never know going into any summer with transfer activity, ins or outs you never know the numbers. You might have a thought of what could happen, but without a doubt, this could be the last time that the supporters see some of the players.”