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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe to turn Champions League ‘pain to motivation’

December 14, 2023

Newcastle are only the fifth English team to finish bottom of a Champions League group

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said the “pain you feel now is motivation for tomorrow” after their Champions League exit following a 2-1 loss to AC Milan.

The Magpies were on course to go through between Joelinton’s 33rd-minute opener and Christian Pulisic’s 59th-minute equaliser at St James’ Park.

Samuel Chukwueze’s winner six minutes from time denied Newcastle the consolation of a Europa League spot.

“I’m desperately disappointed. It’s tough to take,” said Howe.

Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2002-03 by finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

They have suffered multiple injury problems this season and could only name seven subs – to Milan’s 11.

“We’ve learned a lot,” said Howe. “We went into this season knowing the power of the squad and how important that would be, but unfortunately we lost that power and ultimately we went into Champions League games with very few options.”

Football Daily podcast: Newcastle out of Europe

Borussia Dortmund went through as group winners with Paris St-Germain finishing second.

Had Newcastle held on for a point they would have gone into the Europa League knockout round play-off in February.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Pat Nevin thinks those injuries meant European elimination was a blessing in disguise.

“Before this campaign Eddie Howe hadn’t managed at Champions League level,” the former Scotland winger said.

“So you don’t just expect to walk in and cruise it. But I do feel sorry for them that they did not have the opportunity to go at this group with the full strength of their squad.

“It won’t feel like it for fans right now, but dropping out of Europe altogether is the best outcome for Newcastle United. They haven’t got the depth of squad, and they would not get top four.”

Howe added: “I feel for the players. I’ve seen what they have given and how committed they have been. I can’t fault them at all.

“It is painful for me and for them because I know how professional they are and how they want to achieve success.

“Any time you don’t achieve what you want and have a setback and disappointment you have to use it as fuel. That has always been my way.

“The pain you feel now is motivation for tomorrow and now we have to focus on the Premier League.

“For me there is nothing but positive thoughts about the team and what they are giving, but now we have to make sure we are consistent in the Premier League.”