NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has challenged Newcastle United supporters to replicate their Champions League wall of noise yet again as the Magpies look to clinch successive wins in the competition.
A white-hot atmosphere greeted Paris Saint-Germain at St. James’ Park earlier this month and the French champions were blown away 4-1 to put Howe’s men top of Group F after two games.
And as the third game approaches, three more points for Newcastle against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening will maintain the Geordies’ European momentum.
Head coach Howe said: “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 recreate those intensity levels and quality of our play to try to win the game.
“It’s another real top test. This group was always going to be that way and it’s great to be involved in. We knew this would be a tough examination for us; this is a key period in it now.
“We’ve made a good start but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. This is a pivotal game in the group.”
A lot of the talk in the run-up to the game has surrounded the availability of Italian international Sandro Tonali.
While the former AC Milan man has been in and out of the club’s Premier League starting XIs, he has started both Champions League encounters so far. And while the club await a decision on any potential ban for alleged illegal betting activity involving Tonali, Howe says the player is in his thoughts against the Bundesliga outfit.
Howe said: “As far as I’m aware, I’m expecting him to be available. I will plan like that until told differently. I can’t second guess what will happen. He has trained and is available.
“If that’s the case (UEFA does not want him involved), you know more than I do. I know very little. I’ve been preparing for the game. So I will wait to hear if anything concrete comes through.
"I haven’t (spoken to him about Saturday). It was emotional for him; that was clear to see. That will help him long-term. He will always be able to reflect back into that love he got from the supporters when he really needed it. Hopefully that will help his long-term relationship with the supporters.”
Meanwhile, on the injury front, Howe could welcome back Joe Willock for the first time this season.
The former Arsenal man has returned to full training after five months out of action, and is in contention for a place on the Magpies’ bench.
“Joe Willock is getting closer with every day that passes," said Howe, who had less positive news on his only other injury worry.
He added: “Sven Botman is still out. Apart from that we’re pretty similar to Saturday (4-0 win over Crystal Palace).
“I think Alexander Isak is back to full fitness. He’s trained really well in the build up to this game so I’m delighted at where his career is at and where his performances have been for us. I’m sure Alex will want to do well because it’s our next game.”
Dortmund, who trained on the St. James’ Park pitch on Tuesday night, head to Tyneside knowing a defeat would seriously put their progression in doubt. So far they are yet to score a goal and have picked up just one point in their opening two matches in the Champions League, despite being unbeaten and one win off the top of the Bundesliga table.
Head coach Edin Terzic is expecting a tough test against the Magpies, and he admits to being an admirer of Howe’s side.
Asked about Newcastle, Terzic said: “It’s not just the last couple of weeks; what they did last season was part of that. If you look at their whole history and the investment and money that has come in, they’ve been smart in the transfer market and built a team over 18 months.
“Qualifying for the Champions League through the Premier League is tough. When you look at this group we’re in you can see the strength and they’re top of the group at the moment, but only two games have gone so it’s really tight.
“Tomorrow we need to produce a good performance so we can earn victory. We can expect a warm welcome tomorrow night. It’s about us producing our game and energy on the pitch and making the most of this occasion.”
