Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed deep disappointment as his team suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Milan, leading to their exit from both the Champions League and Europe at large.
Heading into the final game, the group was tightly contested. Newcastle needed a win and hoped for PSG not to emerge victorious in Dortmund to secure their spot in the Champions League. Meanwhile, AC Milan had the chance to advance with a win, provided that PSG faced defeat.
At a certain juncture in the evening, things seemed to be in Newcastle’s favor with Joelinton’s opener. However, Milan staged a comeback with goals from Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze, while Paris Saint-Germain secured a point against Borussia Dortmund.
“I thought there were some really good bits, we were dominant at times, but probably needed the second goal. We didn’t defend the two goals well enough,” Howe told TNT Sports after finishing bottom and crashing out of Europe completely.
“It was very much end to end. Both teams were desperate to win. We wanted to win the game and we were trying to head for the Champions League so we had to be brave. They had to be brave. It made for a very good game. We did create chances and we’re absolutely devastated not to go through.”
Devoid of European football, Newcastle will now redirect their focus towards climbing the Premier League table.
They currently placed 7th on the log and are seven points behind the top four with 16 games played.
“You always have to use disappointment – the setbacks – as motivation and fuel for your fire to make sure you continue to achieve,” Howe added
“We’ll go back to the Premier League and try and do as much as we can to be consistent and stay up there.”
“[We have learned] so much. The value of the squad first and foremost, that’s what’s exposed us, the fact we haven’t had the ability to utilise the squad we’ve created.
“We’ve gone into games very limited in what we can do and that hasn’t helped us.”
In the next game, Newcastle will host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, before a Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea on Tuesday.
