Newcastle United will play its first home match in the UEFA Champions League since 2003 when they face Paris Saint-Germain at St. James' Park tomorrow, Wednesday. However, head coach Eddie Howe’s focus will be on the match itself rather than the occasion. Howe’s team began their European adventure this season with a goalless draw at San Siro against AC Milan, and now they will face the French league champions.
Howe told reporters on Tuesday: “I don’t remember anything from the Milan match except the (Champions League anthem). My focus wasn’t on the music or the moment; it was simply about trying to help the players in any way I could.” He added, “Yes, it will be a great moment for the club to be back here for a while; it’s a big night at our ground, but for me, it’s about focusing on the game.”
He continued, “One area of focus must be how to deal with the threat posed by Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.” Regarding this, Howe said: “It’s very difficult to limit his threat. Our defensive record is strong, and we don’t base our plans around facing one player specifically. I don’t believe in individual marking. We need to put in a good collective performance and close the spaces to neutralize the best player in the world tomorrow.”
