Howe's final message ahead of 2023/24 finale and today's European permutations

Eddie Howe has revealed that his players are treating today's trip to Brentford as a 'cup final', insisting it's a 'huge moment' to end a tough season on a high.

The situation is clear heading into the game. Better or match Man Utd's result at Brighton and we'll guarantee at least a 7th-placed finish, but we'll have to win and see Chelsea lose at home to Bournemouth to reclaim 6th spot. However, it's worth mentioning that 7th only secures the Europa Conference League (and 6th Europa) if Man Utd lose the FA Cup final next Saturday.

“It’s a big last day for us, no denying that." Howe said. "We go to Brentford knowing we have to do our part, which is win the game. Then we’re in the hands of other clubs. The players are determined to finish on an high.

“It’s a one-off game, a cup final for us really, that’s how we have to approach it. The previous cup final we had, we didn’t win – that’s how we have to prepare for this game.

“For me, it’s a huge moment, but we can’t control the other results, we can’t control what will happen. But we can do our part and that’s the big responsibility that we must embrace.

Howe has also addressed where it's gone wrong away from home this season, admitting we have to come back a "tighter team" today and across the 2024/25 campaign. “Just look at the numbers,", he said. "We’ve conceded far too many goals on the road this season. Our defending has to be key for us. We’re going to try come back a tighter team. Our goalscoring has been good both home and away. But I felt we left goals on the pitch on Wednesday. Areas to improve in both aspects.

Asked about our season as a whole, he added: “You can bracket it any way you want to. This has been a season where it could have been so much more, and those moments will frustrate me, sure, for a long time.

“I have to say it (this season) is probably more of an accurate representation (of where we're at compared to last season), but – and there is a but – you have to consider the injury situation which we’ve had, which isn’t an excuse, but it’s been the reality.

“It’s been very, very difficult to manage. The players who have been fit have given so much, they’ve contributed greatly to keeping our season stable and making sure we’re still progressive.

“I think it’s been a positive season overall when you look at how well we’ve done in that regard, and then you think if you can add the pieces of the team back together as near enough a healthy squad, I think we’ve got a great chance next year to build on this season.”