Newcastle United’s return to form has instilled belief in the squad as they head into the business end of the season, manager Eddie Howe said on Friday, with a Champions League return on the cards for the first time in 20 years.
After a five-match winless run in the league which saw Newcastle drop out of the top-four, they have roared back into contention with five wins in a row.
The run began with a 2-1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers which was followed by a 2-0 victory over fellow Champions League chasers Manchester United.
Newcastle are third in the Premier League standings with 56 points from 29 games, three clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur who have played a game more. Newcastle visit Aston Villa on Saturday.
“I think there’s a growing belief that we’re getting back to our best form after a difficult period around January time, where we were a little bit frustrated with ourselves in the Premier League,” Howe told reporters.
“I think the Wolves win was a big, big moment for us, it got us back to winning ways. We’ve backed that up with three really tough games over the last week.
“That was a big test for us mentally and physically, we came through it.
Howe praised Villa boss Unai Emery, who has led the club’s revival, with the Spaniard pulling them out of a relegation battle since his appointment.
Villa are in sublime form, winning six of their last seven matches to move up to sixth and close in on European football next season.
“He (Emery) has got a clear philosophy. They very rarely change what they do and tactically they’re interesting,” Howe said. “They’re going to be a tough challenge for us.”
‘Accept what you have’
Juergen Klopp. File photo
London: Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp had little to say on Friday when asked about media speculation that the Merseyside club had pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
“It is not about Jude Bellingham, but I never understand why we talk about things we theoretically cannot have. We cannot have six players in a summer, everyone for 100 million,” Klopp told reporters.
“You have to realise what you can do and then work with it. Whatever we want, we try everything to get it but there are moments where we have to accept and step aside.”
Reuters
