Eddie Howe has urged his players to be fearless ahead of today’s top-four clash with Tottenham, believing the Toon Army can also make a massive difference.
The boss accepts it’s a “huge game” in our bid to bring Champions League football back to St James’ Park – we’ll go six points clear of Spurs with a game in hand should we win – but is “confident” we’ll perform and “find another gear” after rising to the occasion on so many occasions this season.
He insists that we are “focused” and craving the big occasion. However, Howe has urged fans to stick by the players and create another special atmosphere, revealing how the sheer “force” of the crowd has carried us to wins in previous home games this season.
Here’s what he told the press when speaking ahead of today’s 2pm kick-off:
“It’s a huge game for us. There’s no denying that. At this stage of the season the games are running out and we’re playing one of our competitors in the league.
“We have a three-game week and they are huge moments with nine games to play for.
“We’ve have risen to these types of games this season. Hopefully we can find another gear again.
“It’s what we crave as professionals. You want the big games and you want it to mean something. We’re determined to express ourselves in the best way possible. We don’t want to play with any fear or restraints. We want to give the best us. I’m confident we will perform, but we are playing a very good team.
“The lads have been focused and they are ready for what’s ahead rather than looking backwards. We have to go again now at the crucial end of the season.
“We’re pleased to be at home and hope we can feel the force of the crowd.
“The huge league games, the crowd have been magnificent for us and definitely carried us in certain moments. It’s the kind of game where you’re never sure it’s going to go your way for 90 minutes and there will be moments in the game where we need to be strong and compact together. Hopefully the crowd can help.”
Not long ago, six-pointers on Tyneside centred around the battle for survival. Today, we are a big performance away from handing our Champions League hopes the biggest boost yet.
Our biggest home games in years and huge opportunity to take another massive step towards the top-four. Let’s sing our hearts out for the lads.
Howe is right, these are the games (remaining eight) that the players have to be up for if they have any real ambitions.
Let’s hope they put their best foot forward, as everyone in black and white is willing them on.
Joseph(Quote)