Newcastle manager Eddie Howe calls on home support to ‘continue the momentum’
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a training session ahead of his side's Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – For Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, the hard work started over the weekend as he prepared for their Champions League home clash against German football giants Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
Having watched a replay of his opponents’ 1-0 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen
“As much as you can tell from the footage, you’re seeing and feeling their atmosphere,” the Magpies boss said, as quoted by Newcastle’s Evening Chronicle.
“You’re seeing the crowds in the stands and the colours, so that’s going to be an interesting game for us when we get there (Signal Iduna Park), but it’s all about the home game now and what we can create.
“I don’t want to put too much expectation on our supporters, but I know they won’t let us down. They will be there for us on Wednesday. It will be a brilliant occasion and we’re going to need it because this is a huge game for us.
“After the PSG win, we want to continue our momentum and see where it takes us.”
It was no surprise that Howe is confident, especially after that dominant 4-1 home win over Paris Saint-Germain the last time out in the Champions League.
Captain Jamaal Lascelles added: “Nobody is going to match our intensity, our passion and hunger as well as the fans’ desire and how loud they are. As a human being, it doesn’t matter how good you are – it’s intimidating.”
The Magpies have won six of their last eight games, scoring 22 goals during this run, including Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace.
It will be the first meeting between the two sides with Howe’s men leading Group F on four points, ahead of PSG (three), AC Milan (two) and Dortmund (one).
Dortmund have lost their last six games away to English sides in all competitions, conceding at least twice on each occasion. They have, however, won five straight Bundesliga matches.
“Even though they had a very good game against PSG, we need to go there with confidence. The group is so competitive... We need a win badly,” said in-form attacker Julian Brandt.
Coach Edin Terzic was equally unfazed by the challenge, adding: “(It will be) an intense task – but it is one we’re looking forward to.”
In Group G, treble winners Manchester City travel to Swiss side Young Boys hoping to clinch three wins from three.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been far from their best in 3-1 wins over Red Star Belgrade and RB Leipzig, leaving it late in both matches to secure all three points.
Ahead of a huge Manchester derby in the English Premier League against United on Sunday, however, the 52-year-old Spaniard could probably afford the luxury of resting some of his players while not taking anything for granted in Bern. AFP
