Eddie Howe has called on Newcastle United to channel the “pain and anguish” of their UEFA Champions League exit into a positive response when they face Fulham on Saturday.
Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Milan at St James’ Park ensured Newcastle’s first Champions League campaign for two decades ended in disappointing fashion as they finished bottom of Group F.
The Magpies looked set to advance to the last 16 when Joelinton fired them ahead, but second-half goals from Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze ensured they did not even have the consolation of dropping into the UEFA Europa League.
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They need to bounce back quickly when they host in-form Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, having suffered back-to-back defeats in the competition against Everton and Tottenham.
Howe has confidence his team will do so, saying on Friday: “We have faced up to what has happened. We have analysed it but we have to move on very quickly to Fulham.
“The mood is good, there is some pain and anguish, but that can’t stay around in professional football.
“It’s going to be a big test of our ability to respond, our resilience. There’ll be a narrative that will be negative and we have to override that. It can become more negative if you don’t react in the right way.
“We’re certainly not negative internally, but I understand how these things work externally and we can’t control that.
Back to business in the Premier League tomorrow. ✊
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— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 15, 2023
“We can’t deny exiting Europe is a disappointment but we can control how we respond to it. Now we need to respond in the way we have done so many times since I’ve been here.”
Newcastle still have a lengthy injury list with Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Sven Botman, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes all sidelined, while Kieran Trippier is suspended for Saturday’s game after accumulating five yellow cards.
The Magpies did receive an unexpected boost in midweek as Dan Burn returned from the bench after missing seven games due to a back injury, and Howe says the defender has been a big miss both on and off the pitch.
“Dan is not just the player, but the character, with the leadership qualities you get in the dressing room,” Howe said. “He has allowed us to play in a certain way.
“He has been an important part of what we have done, and we have missed him when he has been away.”
Eddie Howe on the supporters:
“I would encourage the supporters to make the environment as best as they can for the players. We need the players playing with absolute freedom, with excitement, with joy – all that we have seen at St. James’ Park over my two years here.
Their… pic.twitter.com/7TcervMZii
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 15, 2023