Eddie Howe is urging fans and players to harness the “powerful” atmosphere we create at St James’ Park, believing that could give us the edge over Liverpool today.
The boss has also discussed how last season’s defeats to Liverpool – who beat us home and away – were “painful” and has revealed how those post-match boos at Anfield actually fuelled his players moments after we lost in the 97th minute.
Once again, he used the line “we are here to win and compete – we don’t want to be popular.” Today, he’s hoping we can replicate that fast start we saw against Aston Villa, feeling a “red hot” atmosphere could elevate our performances and make life even tougher for Liverpool.
Here’s what Howe had to say ahead of the 4.30pm kick-off, looking back on last year’s boos and today’s huge game on Tyneside:
“Ideally, we are booed off every week when we play away. We are here to win and to compete, we don’t want to be popular. I was proud of our players.
“When we play at home. It’s such a powerful thing for us. You saw against Aston Villa last week when the crowd were amazing with us.”
“We had a good start to the game so that helped create the energy that we need in games. Especially against the top teams. We need the atmosphere as red hot as we can make it. That’s going to elevate our performance and make it difficult for them.
“Last year we were disappointed with two defeats. The one at Anfield was a difficult night and the home game was painful in a different way. They’re very, very good at what they’ve been historically good at for four or five years, but they are building a new team with slightly different characteristics in midfield. We know this is another really good test for us, following on from Man City and Aston Villa.
“The rivalry between Newcastle and Liverpool has always been there historically, I don’t think it’s ramped up particularly any more than it’s always been. Historically, it’s been a game where everyone would say ‘I want to watch that’. There will be moments and flashpoints because it’s two iconic clubs going against each other.”
HOWAY THE LADS!
