After falling to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 at St. James’ Park, Eddie Howe says Newcastle will now ‘have to do it the hard way’ to advance to the Champions League knockout stages.
Newcastle’s unbeaten start to the UCL group stages came to an end on Wednesday as Felix Nmecha’s brilliant finish on the stroke of halftime earned Dortmund a narrow win in the Tyneside.
Anthony Gordon and Callum Wilson came so close for Newcastle, but the Magpies failed to find a way past Gregor Kobel in-between Dortmund sticks.
This defeat sees Newcastle drop from first to third in Group F with four points in three games.
With trips to Paris Saint-Germain and Dortmund to come, Howe believes qualification for the next stage will have to be achieved the ‘hard way’.
“Tactically they were good and gave us problems in central areas. In the second half we were a lot better and unfortunately the ball would not go in,” Eddie Howe said while speaking to TNT Sports.
“The intention was there but we’re up against elite teams. You make half a mistake and get punished.
“We grew into the game in the second half with the chances we created and the woodwork denied us. Now we have to do it the hard way in the group.
“It is going to be difficult but were in the Champions League. Nothing comes easy. You know you’re going to have to win in some tough places. Now we need to dust ourselves down and be ready for next week.”
Newcastle will now shift their attention to the Premier League where they will face Wolves on Sunday.
