Eddie Howe on Monday hailed Newcastle United’s “incredible” players as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 20 years after a 0-0 draw against relegation-haunted Leicester City.
Fifth-placed Liverpool’s draw with Aston Villa on Saturday meant Newcastle needed just one point from their past two games to be assured of a Champions League place.
Howe’s third-placed side achieved their target at the first attempt at a jubilant St James’ Park.
Photo: AFP
Howe and his players embarked on a lengthy lap of honor after the final whistle as they soaked up the acclaim from the Toon Army.
“It’s a big relief actually, an amazing night. You always hope and you have to dream, but we didn’t feel we were ready for the top four,” Howe said.
“After last season’s relegation battle, it was whether we could consolidate and become a better team,” he said. “I have to compliment the whole squad because physically it’s been a big demand. They’ve seen the fruits of their own labor.”
Newcastle’s remarkable rise from relegation candidates to a top four finish in the Premier League in just 18 months is a tribute to Howe’s management and financial might of the club’s Saudi Arabian-backed ownership group.
The Magpies also reached the first domestic final since 1999 this season, losing to Manchester United in the League Cup.
After two decades in Premier League purgatory since Bobby Robson last led Newcastle into the Champions League, the Magpies believe they can maintain their transformation into trophy contenders now that they are back among Europe’s heavyweights.
“The lads have been unbelievable for me. I can’t praise them enough. Their attitude, their mentality,” Howe said. “I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to manage here. We’ve had great success and that’s satisfying.”
Just seven years after their fairytale Premier League title triumph, Leicester are on the verge of being relegated from the top-flight for the 12th time in their history.
That would equal the English record held by Birmingham City, sending them back to the Championship for the first time since 2014.
Dean Smith’s third from bottom team have won just one of their past 15 league games.
They sit two points behind fourth bottom Everton and would go down if the Toffees win their last game against AFC Bournemouth, regardless of Leicester’s result in their final match against West Ham United.
“What we have done is taken it to the last game and made Everton need to win. That’s what we had to do. I make no apologies for the way we played,” Smith said.
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