Eddie Howe has told his top stars that their ambition should be to play Champions League football at Newcastle – and not elsewhere.
With the Magpies fifth in the Premier League on the back of seven wins in eight matches, talk of returning to Europe’s elite competition has intensified in recent weeks.
That has also been to the backdrop of constant speculation over the future of the likes of Alexander Isak. Without Champions League football next season, there is a strong chance the striker could leave.
But Howe believes Isak and others such as Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali should want to achieve their goals at St James’ Park before anything else.
‘Those players you’re talking about need to perform to confirm that they want to play there (Champions League), that they want to play there with us – that has to be the aim and the ambition, not looking elsewhere,’ said the head coach.
‘The determination and resolve within the squad that I have seen in recent weeks has been very strong. They have been hugely motivated. We have put a great run together and have put ourselves in a great position.
Eddie Howe insisted his Newcastle players need to remain focused on securing Champions League football
Magpies have climbed up the Premier League table following just one defeat in eight games
Star striker Alexander Isak has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks
‘But this is the important part of the season now. We’re coming down to the games where we need to keep winning, to keep the run of form and stay in and around where we are and really push. So the message to them is to focus on that.’
Howe and his players have enjoyed a free week in preparation for Saturday’s visit of Fulham, but the manager admits that watching the final round of Champions League group games did remind him of where he and his team need to be.
‘When you look at those games from the outside you have a totally different experience as to when you’re in it,’ said Howe. ‘When you’re in it, it’s so fast paced. You’re going from game to game and it’s a great thing to be part of. We’re desperate to get back there and we’d love to as a whole squad.’
Meanwhile, Howe confirmed that Newcastle are unlikely to do any more business – in or out – following the £10million sale of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United.
‘Miggy going leaves us a bit short in that area but it was a deal we needed to do because of PSR,’ said Howe. ‘
As it stands, I expect the squad will remain the same (this month). We knew this window would be one we wouldn’t recruit in. We’re not actively looking to bring players in.’