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Howe on Tonali, team news and facing Barca at Camp Nou

by Luna
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg against Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • If Newcastle were to progress to the next round of the Champions League, Howe says "it probably would" be his biggest win at the club.
  • "We are making sure we get all of our gameplan, tactical delivery, and individual performance to the right level. Afterwards, it will take care of itself. My thoughts and the players' thoughts are to just deliver our best," added Howe.
  • On Sandro Tonali's chances of playing, Howe said: "Today is the first day we have seen him, so it's an opportunity for him to train. If he feels strong enough, then we will make a decision tomorrow."
  • On rumours surrounding Tonali's future at the club: "I prefer to take my lead on him from him. All I have seen from Sandro is someone who is totally committed. Very selfless at times, he is here for the team."
  • Lewis Miley has not travelled with the squad, but Howe confirmed Joe Willock is in Barcelona and "hopefully he will be fine" to feature against the Catalan side.
  • On the magnitude of the game: "It is all about the here and now. A lot of work has gone into these two games, as it does with every game we have to play now. That is all we are focused on."
  • On Newcastle's preparation: "We try to treat every game like it is the Champions League final, without using cliches. Yes, we're in a different environment. We will enjoy the game when it comes, but we will only truly enjoy it if we deliver what we know we need to deliver."
  • On Kieran Trippier: "He has been a big player for us with the injuries that we have suffered to the backline. He continues to deliver some outstanding performance. He is an integral part of our squad."
  • On competition for places: "The message to them is: However long you play, whether you're introduced late in the game, you have to try to make the difference. It might be someone that doesn't start the game who is the decisive match-winner."

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[BBC]

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