Eddie Howe Calls On Magpies to Show Their Status As Elite Competitors Against Barcelona

It has been a couple of seasons from The Magpies' boss attended his first Champions League match, yet now he is on a mission to disrupt Europe’s elite.

Catalan Club's Landing at St James' Park

As Barcelona arrived on Wednesday, their manager's Spanish title holders showed no sign of overconfidence. In fact, Flick alerted about the ferocious pace his players should expect on Tyneside.

“There were many unknowns,” remarked the Newcastle manager. “We had a feeling of being experiencing something new, we enjoyed it yet in the end we didn’t advance. So, this time, the resolve is stronger to advance.”

Learning from Previous Campaign

He remembers the French giants being completely outplayed at home back then, when they surrendered in a one-sided match. In those days, the Magpies on occasion appeared somewhat as inexperienced UCL newcomers; this season they aim to be seen as top-tier competitors.

If Newcastle’s manager has grown considerably after attending his very first Champions League fixture, the solid result the team obtained versus AC Milan two seasons back emphasized that Howe had more know-how as he might have seemed.

Roster Quality and Familiarity

At present, ahead of the clash to counter the challenge from their attackers, Marcus Rashford, their midfield general and teammates, the manager benefits from the added benefit of experience. “All elements required for a Champions League match differs compared to domestic games,” noted Eddie. “The vibe seems different, the buildup’s unlike. We didn’t experienced that earlier however that exposure benefits us today. Newcastle's roster is possibly more capable than in the past.”

Legacy Moments

The occasion evokes recollections of a previous appearance by the Catalans, dating back to September 1997. To mark its anniversary, a very special guest is coming overseas to take a seat in the directors’ box. Asprilla’s memorable Champions League three-goal haul versus the Dutchman's squad on home soil enabled the manager's club claim a close-fought victory against Barcelona. Considering Barcelona’s lineup featured global stars, Rivaldo and Luis Enrique, that proved an incredible result.

Now, as followers of each team prepare for their latest clash in this competition, fans are also likely to also remember Sir Bobby Robson. Robson's family member is also set to watch from the executive areas as two of the clubs Robson coached with distinction meet for the first time since 2003.

Managerial Mind Games

If Newcastle’s latest manager desires a different result, he is not about to ignore the legacy. “There are connections with Sir Bobby and we completely respect,” he said. “This is why makes this such a special game. I could draw on the psychology of it.”

During the late 90s, fitness issues prevented the now-iconic coach out of action, and the unavailability of an emerging star called Lamine Yamal this time around creates an enormous hole for Barcelona. Although the Newcastle manager – who said he felt let down to miss out on playing the prodigy – spots an opening, he should keep in mind of the Barcelona coach who shares his ability to change approaches with rare fluency.

In common with his counterpart, Flick doesn’t rigidly follow dogma and, when managing the German champions, the veteran national team boss earned the nickname “a tactical innovator”. It was a reference to his skill to merge aggressive defense and ball retention, and in Spain, the in-form Manchester United loanee Marcus is obviously relishing playing under such an subtly flexible manager.

The appreciation is clearly shared. “What a real luxury to rely on Marcus available,” said Hansi. “His exceptional, unbelievable, skills.” Barcelona will rely on them.

“I haven’t been here previously,” added the manager. “Yet the team say it’s perhaps the top vibe in England. I anticipate a imposing outfit that presses fiercely. Eddie Howe has performed a fantastic job.”