Brilliant from Eddie Howe ahead of PSG - Talks emotions, Mbappe, fans & what it'll take to win
Speaking to the press from St James' Park, Eddie Howe has looked ahead to a 'magical night' on Tyneside, discussed our plan to contain Kylian Mbappe and the mood in the camp going into tonight's game.
The team 'can't wait' to experience what promises to be an incredible atmosphere at St James’ Park as we return to the Champions League on home soil for the first time in 20 years.
Howe believes the Toon Army can player their part with 'positivity, noise, love and enthusiasm', but insists it's up to him and his players to 'use that powerfully in our performance', urging his team to get the balance right in amongst all of the emotions.
The boss labelled Mbappe as ‘the best player in the world', but insists it is 'never down to one player', asking the team to 'nullify the space' and work as a unit. Here's everything he had to say in his impressive pre-match press conference on the eve of tonight's 8pm kick-off:
Howe on the feeling around the squad, the fans and atmosphere ahead of a big night at SJP
"It's been a good few days. We are really looking forward to the game. Can't wait to experience the home atmosphere and what our fans create tomorrow - I think it's going to be a really memorable night and hopefully our performance can make it that way too.
"I know what the fans will bring - positivity, noise, love and enthusiasm for the game for us. Then its up to us to use that powerfully in our performance. You can use too much emotion in home games but I think we have got the balance right.
"It'll be a great moment for the club as a whole to be back here at home - a magical night in our stadium. But for me, it's about focusing on the match."
Eddie Howe on Kylian Mbappe:
"It's very difficult to combat him. Our defensive record has been strong, our team performance has been strong. It's never down to one player. I don't believe in man-marking. We need to do well in our units, nullify the space and hopefully keep the best player in the world quiet."
Eddie Howe on our home form:
It's going to be crucial for us. The away games are very difficult. Milan was a tough game for us.
The competition, or how well we do in it, will be based on how we do here at home. Fingers crossed we can make a good start. It's a pivotal game in our group.
Howe on what it will take to beat PSG:
"Part of our challenge is to deliver what we need to deliver in terms of our off the ball plan. We need to get the balance right.
"We have to be perfect going into the game. Our last run of games, we produced a really good off the ball performance."
Eddie Howe on the focus of his players:
"The focus of the players has been excellent, regardless of the opponent. City, Burnley - really tough games. The players have stayed level, with no over-emotion. That's important for us when the games come thick and fast.
Howe also reflected on the incredible turnaround om Tyneside since he and new owners arrived, insisting "nothing like this was in our thoughts" when he first came in to save us from relegation:
