Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has opened up to the media as he prepares to take on Union Saint-Gilloise in Wednesday night's Champions League clash in Brussels.
Newcastle will be aiming to record their first victory of their 2025/26 Champions League campaign after a 2-1 loss to Barcelona first time out.
Given the quality of teams in the competition, this is a crucial three points for The Magpies.
Arsenal loss will be used as momentum
Howe firstly spoke on the loss to Arsenal at the weekend, which was tough to take as Gabriel scored a late winner for The Gunners in a devastating 2-1 defeat.
“The Arsenal defeat should be a motivator, not a hangover. We needed to do better in those last few moments. It would have been a big point. We need to use that as a motivation.”
Livramento update
Next, Howe commented on Tino Livramento's injury after he was stretchered off against Arsenal at the weekend, with many reports stating that scans were underway.
“I’m better off waiting before giving any indication on that because that could be a mistake. Let’s wait and see in the next couple of days.”
Why have Newcastle been training in Belgium?
The Newcastle squad have been training in Newcastle ahead of the clash, which impressed many fans as Howe explained that adapting to their surroundings is important.
"We felt that getting to know our surroundings was important. We've got here early, we feel settled, journey time was minimal."
Woltemade's price tag is "irrelevant"
Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisted earlier this week that Newcastle are "idiots" for paying a £65 million fee to sign Nick Woltemade in the summer transfer window.
Howe labeled his price tag as "irrelevant".
Howe's Champions League ambitions
Finally, Howe was asked about his ambitions in the Champions League and revealed that his side will enjoy it while it lasts as it may not happen next year.
"We are a Champions League club this season, whether that goes into next year, time will tell. We are trying to make the most of it."
