Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of tomorrow's visit of Benfica to St. James' Park 🎙️
"They have attacking threats, ones we're going to have to manage. We're under no illusions. Tactically it will be an interesting game. A difficult challenge for us but hopefully one we can rise to."
You can watch his press conference on the Official Newcastle United App now 📲
Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali:
"A bit of illness for Sandro so he will be touch and go for the game. We'll give him every opportunity. He wasn't there for training today. He's such an important player so we'll use all the hours we have."
Eddie Howe on Saturday's game at Brighton:
"We feel like we need another game. We're delighted to play again quickly and try to build some momentum back in our performances. Reflecting on the Brighton game was mixed. There was a lot of good in the game but ultimately it doesn't matter, we lost the game and we know we need to improve."
Eddie Howe on a return to #UCL action:
"We love these games. The Barcelona game here was so close for us and it could have been a very different outcome.
We've been in that position a lot this season where the results could have gone either way. We've been very competitive, we were competitive that night and this has a similar feel under the lights here. The atmosphere will be electric, I have no doubt. I hope our performance mirrors that crowd energy."
Eddie Howe on the season so far:
"Frustrating is the feeling. I think we're so close to being something more and getting better results than we have. I think team performances have been strong, we've been very good defensively although there was a couple of lapses against Brighton that we were punished for.
We're working so hard to try and create chances and the best example of that is our goal. It was a move from our goalkeeper to the finish - it's a brilliant goal. That's a lot of work to get that goal. You make your own luck and you can only turn things your own way by doing the right things continually. I don't think we're far away, we just have to keep to our beliefs."
Eddie Howe on Jose Mourinho's connection with Sir Bobby Robson:
"I've heard Jose's words about Newcastle and I echo them myself. Everyone connected to the club has great words about Sir Bobby and the role he played in his career - that's really nice to hear. The line stops tomorrow when the game kicks off. We want to win. We're desperate for the points and it will be a competitive game between two great clubs."
🏴💫 Anthony Gordon played the full 90 minutes as @England beat Wales 3-0 in a friendly at Wembley Stadium this evening.
Dan Burn was an unused substitute.