Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has called on his team to meet the high expectations they have set for themselves by securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The Magpies currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League with just three matches remaining. With a top-five finish guaranteeing a Champions League spot this season, Newcastle could take a significant step toward qualification with a win over Chelsea on Sunday at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle sit level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea but have the edge due to goals scored. Several other clubs, including Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, are also in the mix for a coveted Champions League place.
While some fans may feel that this season has already been a success, especially after Newcastle ended a 56-year trophy drought by defeating Liverpool in the League Cup final, Howe insists the club still has more to achieve.
“We feel an expectation, certainly internally, to try to deliver Champions League football,” Howe told reporters. “It was an expectation that we placed upon ourselves. So while the cup win lifted pressure externally, I don’t feel that way within the club.”
He acknowledged that the League Cup victory provided the team with a confidence boost, which spurred better performances in the matches that followed, but added that focus must now return to finishing the season strongly.
“That feels like quite a while ago now, in football terms,” he said. “We have to concentrate on the final three games and remind ourselves just how good we can be. Our standards have to remain high.”
Looking ahead to the Chelsea clash, Howe expects a stern challenge from the London side, who are also pushing hard for a European place. He emphasised the need for a top-level performance, akin to their League Cup final showing.
“I think we’ll need to produce a performance close to what we did in the cup final to get a result,” he said. “Chelsea gave us one of our toughest games earlier this season, and I think they’ve started to rediscover that form.”
Praising Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, Howe added, “He’s a smart coach with a very clear playing style. They have dangerous attacking players who will cause us problems if we’re not at our best.”
