At the weekend, Eddie Howe described our upcoming game against Barcelona as one of the biggest games in our history; a sentiment he echoed again in Monday’s press conference.
It’s easy to understand why the boss thinks that: the opportunity to knock out one of the very best teams in world football, coupled with the lucrative financial rewards of progressing in the Champions League (over £10m), simply cannot be passed up on.
And it’s not just Howe who is taking tonight’s game so seriously. His counterpart on the touchline, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, is also anticipating a tough test ahead for his team at St James’ Park.
Here’s what the German had to say ahead of the game in his pre-match press conference, with full quotes available to read below the press conference video here.
Hansi Flick has hinted that we may see Barcelona adopt a more defensive, conservative approach from the typically free-flowing attacking side we would perhaps be expecting to turn up to the North East.
The manager highlights their recent 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, which ultimately cost them the Copa Del Rey semi-final, as a key example of what they need to avoid happening.
“We analysed the game against Atlético, mainly our defence… we weren’t a team. We worked on our defence because it’s crucial in the Champions League.
“Too many goals conceded? I’ve coached two incredible teams, Bayern and Barça, and I take pleasure in it every day… We also score a lot of goals. Defence is a team effort.”
If the game back in September between us showed anything, as well as our subsequent games in the competition, it’s that Barcelona’s typical high line will be an incredibly risky tactic against our rapid front three of Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon.
“Tomorrow we will find a fantastic atmosphere here in this stadium. They will support their team.
“Newcastle play a very intense game. They will press us man to man. When they get the ball, they will transition very quickly because they have fast players. So we have to defend well and we have to be brave.
“Newcastle’s level? It won’t be easy, all the teams in the Champions League want to show their best form. They are a team that transitions quickly, very dangerous, and we will have to play well.”
In our 2-1 loss back in September, it was the loanee Marcus Rashford who dealt the decisive blows with two wonderful goals: still his biggest contributions in a Barcelona shirt so far.
But there’s an uncertainty over whether or not the England international will feature in the game, and if it’s more likely we see Lamine Yamal and Raphinha start instead.
On Rashford’s availability ahead of tonight’s game, Flick commented:
“He’s been absent for a few days and came back in full form.
“I haven’t decided yet, but it’s a good option for the match against Newcastle.”
Marc Bernal is another player who could be a doubt for the first leg, having been struck down with illness. Though with no Frenkie de Jong or Gavi in the squad, Flick will need all his midfield reinforcements.
“He had some stomach issues, but he is doing fine now.”
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