(Reuters) – Drawing defending champions Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals was not what Eddie Howe wanted to hear, as the Newcastle United manager braces for his team’s fourth encounter with last year’s treble winners. Newcastle, who last clinched the trophy in 1955, will face City on March 16 for the knockout fixture. Howe expressed his dismay, stating, “I almost swerved off the road when I heard the draw. It wasn’t the draw we wanted, that’s for sure.” He acknowledged the challenge of facing City multiple times in a season, emphasizing the necessity of beating top teams like City to win the FA Cup sooner than anticipated.
Newcastle previously defeated City in the League Cup in September but suffered two losses to the defending champions in the Premier League. Despite the daunting task ahead, Howe remains optimistic about his team’s chances. He highlighted the return of key players like Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, Alexander Isak, and Sven Botman from injury, which has bolstered the squad. Howe mentioned, “At one point, we had a limited training group, but now we have over 20 players, lifting the entire group. The focus now is to ensure their swift recovery and return to full fitness.”
Regarding the injured players, Howe provided insights on their progress. He expressed confidence in Isak’s gradual improvement with each game played, while revealing the cautious approach in managing Willock’s return to peak condition after an extended absence. As for Botman, Howe indicated that the defender is in good shape and could feature in the upcoming matches after prioritizing training over midweek games. The potential return of these players bodes well for Newcastle as they aim to secure a strong finish in the league.
Newcastle currently occupies the 10th spot in the Premier League standings with 37 points, trailing Wolves by a single point. With a competitive race for European qualification spots and the FA Cup quarter-final looming, Howe’s strategic planning and squad management will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. The manager’s focus on player recovery and tactical preparations reflects his commitment to maximizing the team’s potential in upcoming fixtures.
As Newcastle gear up for their upcoming league match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Howe remains pragmatic about the difficult task of balancing domestic and cup competitions. The prospect of facing a formidable opponent like City adds complexity to Newcastle’s season ambitions but also presents an opportunity for the team to showcase their resilience and determination. With key players returning to fitness and a collective determination to succeed, Newcastle aims to defy the odds and make a strong statement in their upcoming battles on multiple fronts.
The clash against City in the FA Cup quarter-finals serves as a significant test for Newcastle’s progress under Howe’s leadership and their ability to compete at the highest level. Despite the challenging draw, Howe’s unwavering belief in his team’s capabilities and determination to overcome obstacles sets the tone for an intriguing showdown. Newcastle’s journey in the FA Cup and their league campaign will be closely monitored, as the team aims to make history and inspire fans with their resilient spirit and competitive spirit.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
