Newcastle v Man City: Howe targets FA Cup glory in tough fifth meeting
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has insisted his side will prioritise FA Cup success over league positioning as they prepare to face Manchester City for the fifth time this season.
Howe remained defiant that he would offer no apologies for targeting silverware despite a taxing campaign.
The Magpies welcome the holders to St James’ Park on Saturday evening seeking a place in the quarter-finals.
Chasing further glory
Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with their Carabao Cup triumph last season.
While the Tyneside club remains in the Champions League, with a tie against Barcelona approaching, their Premier League form has suffered.
Howe’s side currently sit 12th in the table, trailing the top four by 12 points with only nine games remaining.
When asked if the FA Cup was now the club’s best route to European qualification, the 46-year-old was pragmatic.
“Yes, possibly. We just want to try to win,” Howe admitted.
“Yes, there are by-products behind winning and advancing in various competitions, but I don’t think we can look at it that way. We want the glory of trying to win a trophy.”
A familiar foe
Saturday’s clash represents the fifth meeting between the two sides this season.
The Magpies secured a 2-1 league victory at St James’ Park earlier in the campaign.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side have won the subsequent three fixtures, including knocking Newcastle out of the Carabao Cup.
“The hard bit is navigating the rounds to get there, and there is none harder than this,” Howe said regarding the draw.
“We’ve been given the hardest tie we could have been.”
Defending the approach
Howe has faced scrutiny regarding the physical toll a deep cup run places on his squad.
Despite the congested schedule, the Newcastle manager refuses to alter his philosophy.
“The players’ mindset has been to try and win every game,” he explained.
“I’ve been criticised previously for taking the cup seriously, this season especially because people have felt it’s given us too many games.”
“But that’s the way we have to be when representing this club. We will have the same attitude again and will try to win the game and see where it takes us.”
Respect for Guardiola
Howe also played down the significance of Guardiola’s animated post-match discussions with opposition players.
The City boss has frequently been seen engaging in intense tactical chats on the pitch after the final whistle.
“That’s something Pep does with lots of players, it’s not personal to us,” Howe noted.
“I really respect Pep, what he does, how he coaches. His teams have been fantastic for the Premier League and fantastic for football, really.”
