The Magpies’ only chance of winning something is now the Champions League – but that comes with a danger of missing out on Europe via the Premier League places
22:55, 07 Mar 2026Updated 00:24, 08 Mar 2026
Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola
Eddie Howe has categorised Newcastle United’s hopes in the Champions League as more important than their ailing Premier League campaign.
The Magpies are way off the pace in the race for Europe via the top-flight and Howe insists that all energy and focus must switch to trying to do something ‘memorable’ in the Champions League. Barcelona are next up on Tyneside on Tuesday night with a place in the last eight up for grabs against Spurs or Atletico Madrid at stake.
With nine games left, it feels like Howe is almost drawing a line in the Premier League season – despite a shot at the Europa Conference League still mathematically possible. His claim was made after the Magpies crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester City.
When asked to clarify his comments on prioritising the Champions League, Howe said: “In terms of trying to achieve something totally memorable, yes. All energy and focus now go to Tuesday.”
Howe was also asked if the aim was to eventually be like quadruple chasers Man City in the long-term, but he said: “It is not really my focus at the moment, my focus is really short-term, and it’s trying to win the game that is in front of me, and that is winning the game against Barcelona in the Champions League.
“As much as it is easy to be negative in this moment, and I understand we have gone out of the FA Cup, we have the biggest game in the club’s history coming up in no time at all. We have no time to dwell on this.”
As Howe went around the pitch after the final whistle, he admitted he told his players and staff he was overwhelmed that Newcastle were still getting a warm reception despite defeat.
Howe said: “The supporters were incredible. That second half, when it was very difficult for us, they were still behind us and cheering for us. That typifies the crowd here. I was saying that I was walking around.
“This is an amazing football club and full of incredible people. We are going to need every single person who enters the stadium on Tuesday to try to make the difference for us.
“That is really now our season – it’s in the hands of the next two games in the Champions League.”
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