Missing out on the Champions League would be a huge blow: Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is hoping to cap a memorable season, in which they won the League Cup, by qualifying for the Champions League.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON – Eddie Howe admits it would be a “huge disappointment” if Newcastle United fail to seal qualification for the Champions League, as he prepares his men for their final English Premier League game of the season against Everton on May 25.
Howe’s side know a win at St James’ Park would effectively guarantee a top-five finish.
Fourth-placed Newcastle, on 66 points, are ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference, with seventh-placed Nottingham Forest a further point behind.
The Magpies are desperate to cap a memorable season by returning to the Champions League after a one-year absence.
They have already ended a 56-year major trophy drought by beating Liverpool in the League Cup final and a lucrative place in Europe’s elite club competition would be the icing on the cake.
“If we miss out, it will be a tough one to take. In that moment, it will feel like a huge disappointment because we have been in there fighting for two-thirds of the season,” Howe said.
“We know what we need to do and what we want to do.”
Newcastle’s hopes of beating Everton will be significantly improved if Alexander Isak returns from injury. The Swedish striker missed last weekend’s defeat at Arsenal with a groin problem and Howe is unsure whether his leading scorer will be fit to face the Toffees.
“We’d love him to be fit and available for the game,” the manager added.
“But he has to be free in his movement and everything because he’s that kind of player, he’s electric at his best. So let’s see.
“We’ll only play him if he’s fit to contribute, but at the moment, he has an opportunity, potentially.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea take on Forest while Villa are in action against Manchester United.
Unai Emery has insisted he will be proud of Villa’s season, even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
A victory at Old Trafford, combined with Chelsea or Newcastle failing to win, or third-placed Manchester City losing at Fulham, would secure Villa’s place in Europe’s elite club competition.
Even if results do not go in their favour, Emery will be satisfied with a season that saw them reach the Champions League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals, while pushing for a top-five place.
“We’re ambitious, we are being demanding over the second half of the season,” the Villa boss said.
“It’s not in our hands, but we did a really great effort to be here now. I’m so proud of our club, our supporters and our players.
“If we are getting the better gift on Sunday to play Champions League, it will be more.” AFP
