Howe comes out fighting with demand to Newcastle stars ahead of Milan clash
Eddie Howe called on Newcastle to come out “all guns blazing” against Milan to conjure a “magical European night.”
The Geordies are fighting for their Champions League lives against the Italian giants on Wednesday night, needing a win to stay in with the elite. They also need a favour from Borussia Dortmund, who must stop Paris Saint-Germain from winning their tie. Newcastle will guarantee a Europa League spot in the New Year if they avoid defeat.
But Howe is desperate to continue his Champions League journey and striker Callum Wilson says he is saving his debut European goal for this “special occasion.” Newcastle are limping into their Group of Death decider, with No.2 keeper Martin Dubravka a doubt having conceded seven in the last two games. The Geordies have a whole team unavailable for selection.
Howe banished downbeat talk ahead of the decider and said: “The message is to make it a magical European night. The crowd can only do so much. We have got to do the rest. We have to come out all guns blazing.
“We are as hungry as you can be. We are fiercely determined to try and go through. We want Champions League first and foremost and we want to keep a positive feeling and positive momentum with our season.
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“So every fibre and part of us wants to do that. We are looking forward to this test. I think we’re very positive going into the game, it’s got all the hallmarks of being a very special night. I think all we can do, quite predictably, is try and win the game and try and give our best performance to do that.
“The supporters have been the extra man for us this season. We’re going to need every voice, every person can make a difference for us. It’s one of those nights for us where we need to create the atmosphere that has been befitting of our home form. The supporters have never let us down.”
Eddie Howe was in high spirits ahead of Newcastle's Champions League showdown (Newcastle United via Getty Image)Newcastle have lost four of their last seven games including a humiliation at Spurs at the weekend. Howe added: “I don’t sense anger. There is definitely a resolve, a commitment to try and perform better than in the last two. We had to put those games away very quickly. It wasn’t helpful looking back. It is all about the future.
“I have really enjoyed the Champions League but we have not had the freedom to attack it like we would like to have done. That is my only feeling which is negative. The places we have been, the stadiums, atmospheres, the experiences at home, have been memorable.”
Sean Longstaff could figure and Wilson says he is ready to start. Wilson is back from injury and said: “I joined Newcastle knowing it was a sleeping giant in relegation battles. When the takeover happened we added quality and got into this position.
“Games of this ilk don’t come around often. You just leave everything on the football field. It would be an amazing moment in my career. I personally believe it hasn't come yet because it's waiting for a special moment to happen and what a story it would be if it's the winning goal tomorrow night."
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