Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says he does not believe his squad is being “hunted” as he attempts to hold off Liverpool and finish in the Premier League’s top four. The Magpies face high-flying Brighton at St James’ Park today in their bid to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
Roberto De Zerbi’s squad is chasing European football for the first time in their history, following a 3-0 win at Arsenal.
Newcastle are presently third in the table, level on points with Manchester United, after Manchester City and Arsenal. Newcastle and Manchester United each have three games remaining.
After their eighth straight league win at Leicester on Monday, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are only one point behind, despite having played one more game. Howe argued that Newcastle were still in control of their own destiny and that he was not focused on red-hot Liverpool. “I don’t feel like we’re being hunted,” he stated before the game.
“I’m not feeling that emotion.” It’s truly just us versus ourselves. That’s the way I see things. It’s our attempt to be the greatest that we can be. I haven’t paid attention to any other team this season. In my experience, I knew Liverpool was never far away because they are a top club capable of going on winning streaks. They are similar to Manchester City in that they can win a string of games without blinking an eye. They have that background.”
Newcastle would qualify for the Champions League if they won their final two home games against Brighton and Leicester on Monday. Due to a lengthy list, Brighton boss De Zerbi revealed he was “losing sleep” over his preferred first XI.
The Italian asked his players to put aside the joy of the Arsenal victory and concentrate on the opportunity to make history by securing a European spot. “We are fighting for a historic goal, and in order to achieve that goal, we must produce historic results,” he stated.
“We won twice against Chelsea this year, 3-0 against Liverpool, and 3-0 at Emirates Stadium.” We are winning fantastic games, but in order to accomplish the incredible goal, you must also win incredible games. We can choose our own fate and future, but we know the road ahead will be arduous.”
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