Howe issues pre-match rallying call to players & fans ahead of huge Borussia Dortmund clash
Eddie Howe has challenged his players to re-create the intensity levels shown in our 4-1 win over PSG, insisting we must forget what we achieved three weeks ago and prove ourselves all over again.
He's urged the team to "take confidence" from our demolition of the Ligue 1 giants, but insists this is another "top test" against a Dortmund side who've lost just once in their last 19 games.
Whether it's celebrating tackles to get the crowd pumped or playing at a level that inspires supporters, he's called on his team to harness the energy inside St James' Park ahead of a "crucial game" in Group F.
Howe accepts that this is a pivotal match in our bid to qualify for the knockout stages, realising we have two tough away games at PSG and Dortmund after tonight's home tie. He's happy with our strong start, where we currently sit top on four points, but insists we must not "get ahead of ourselves."
"It's another top test. It's great to involved [in this group]. We've made a good start but we can't get ahead of ourselves. It's a pivotal game in the group. We experienced a tough game at Milan and the PSG game was a massive result. We know the quality that Dortmund have.
"It's a tough game ahead. The beauty of the PSG game was the whole environment created by the supporters, but we need to forget that result. Take the confidence from it, but try to create that atmosphere all over again and for us try to re-create those intensity levels and quality of our play to try to win the game.
"We have to focus on this competition now. We're aware of where we are. It's a crucial game in the group because we have two tough away games after. It won't be easy but we have to use everything to try and win the game. We need to make it as difficult as we can.
"It shows where we were mentally. The crowd were pumped for the game. From our side, it's not lost that we need to create that again. Whether we celebrate tackles again? I don't know. But we need harness that energy again."
Howe was also asked about meeting Kevin Keegan at Pete Graves' book launch on Monday night, revealing how much he enjoyed spending time with the "charismatic" former Toon boss:
"I enjoyed it. The chance to meet him was a brilliant thing. He's got such a great personality. A lot of jokes and laughter.
"I could sense his emotion to Newcastle and the people in the room. I enjoyed it and I hope he did. I'd love to get him back here in some capacity.
"He's such a charismatic person. That's the thing I took from it. He seemed in a very good place. I just enjoyed being with him and I'd love to spend more time with him."
