The message was clear once the teamsheets dropped.
Although Newcastle have a Champions League last-16 tie to come against Barcelona on Tuesday, Howe only made four changes.
This was not only Newcastle's best chance of silverware but also their best route to get back into Europe next season.
The hosts started the game showing they knew it.
Newcastle quickly got a buoyant crowd into the game, and their press forced Manchester City into uncharacteristic misplaced passes at the back. Howe's team grabbed the opener.
But the tie then got away from them far too easily as they dropped deeper and deeper and saw their midfield bypassed time and time again.
How leaky Newcastle will rue the manner of both Savinho's equaliser and Omar Marmoush's first goal after crosses were not cut out and the pair were not picked up.
The visitors just never looked like getting back into it, but they have little time for a hangover.
Those supporters who stayed until the end repeatedly chanted "Eddie Howe's black and white army", and Newcastle will certainly need St James' at its ferocious best when Barcelona visit on Tuesday.
