Eddie Howe urges Newcastle to showcase their Champions League credentials against Barcelona, highlighting the team’s growth and determination to compete at the highest level. The match stirs memories of past encounters and honors the legacy of Sir Bobby Robson.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle's ambitious manager, is eager to demonstrate that his team belongs among Europe's elite. Only two years ago, Howe attended his first Champions League match, but his aspirations now stretch to upsetting the established order in European football.
As Barcelona touched down on Tyneside on Wednesday, there was a clear sense that Hansi Flick's La Liga champions were far from complacent. Flick himself emphasized the “intensity” his players should anticipate when they face Newcastle at St James’ Park on Thursday night. The atmosphere, he suggested, would be unlike anything his players had faced before.
Howe vividly remembers when Paris Saint-Germain were completely overwhelmed at St James’ Park two years ago, surrendering 4-1 to a Newcastle side that was formidable yet also a little naive. Newcastle’s inexperience ultimately led to their elimination at the group stage. Back then, Newcastle sometimes appeared like Champions League tourists; now, they are aiming to be viewed as genuine contenders.
"There were a lot of unknowns last time," Howe admitted. "There was a feeling we were experiencing something new. We enjoyed it, but ultimately we failed. So, this time, the resolve is stronger to progress, not just to enjoy the experience but to try to make it a meaningful one. We’ve learned things and tried to add layers.”
If Howe has matured considerably since that first live Champions League game from the San Siro’s away dugout, the creditable draw his players secured against Milan 24 months ago hinted that Howe was not as inexperienced as some observers might have believed.
Now, as he prepares to counter the threats posed by Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Frenkie de Jong, and others, he benefits from increased familiarity with the nuances of Champions League football. “Everything that goes into a Champions League game is different from the Premier League,” Howe explained. “It feels different, the buildup’s different. We hadn’t done that before, but that experience will help us now. Our squad is arguably stronger than it was two years ago.”
“We’re excited. I’m looking forward to seeing how we match up against them. I’ll back our quality.” All of which stirs memories of another memorable visit from Barcelona in mid-September 1997.
To commemorate that anniversary, a special guest is flying in from Colombia to watch from the directors’ box. Faustino Asprilla’s unforgettable hat-trick against Louis van Gaal’s Barcelona at St James’ Park helped Kenny Dalglish’s Newcastle secure a 3-2 victory. It was the first time the two teams had clashed in the Champions League. Given that Barcelona’s starting XI included Luís Figo, Rivaldo, and Luis Enrique, it was a remarkable achievement.
As both sets of supporters prepare for their fifth meeting in this competition, memories will also turn to Sir Bobby Robson. His son, Mark, like Asprilla, will be watching from the stands as two of the clubs his father coached with distinction face each other for the first time since 2003.
Twenty-two years ago, Robson occupied Howe’s dugout but could not prevent Newcastle from succumbing 2-0 to his old friends from Barcelona. While Newcastle’s current manager hopes for a different result, he is keen to honor Robson’s memory.
“There are connections with Sir Bobby that we fully embrace,” he said. “That’s what makes this such a special game. I might tap into the psychology of it.”
In September 1997, injury kept Pep Guardiola at home in Barcelona. This time, the absence of Lamine Yamal leaves an enormous void in Flick’s starting XI. Howe, who expressed disappointment at not facing the prodigy, senses an opportunity but remains mindful of an opposing manager capable of switching tactical systems with impressive fluidity.
Like Howe, Flick is flexible in his approach. During his time with Bayern Munich, the now 60-year-old was dubbed “Flicki-Flaka,” a reference to his ability to combine gegenpressing with controlled possession. At Barcelona, Rashford is evidently enjoying working under such a subtly flexible tactician.
“It’s a real luxury to have Marcus in my team,” said Flick. “He has fantastic, unbelievable qualities.” Barcelona may well need them.
“I’ve never been here before,” Flick added. “But my players tell me it’s maybe the best atmosphere in the Premier League. I expect a tall, strong Newcastle team with real intensity. Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job.”