Eddie Howe (right) insists Newcastle are focused on themselves. Credit: Getty Images/Oli Scarff
Eddie Howe denies Newcastle United feel extra pressure because Liverpool are trying to chase them down in the hunt for a Champions League spot as he reminded everyone the goal this season was to avoid another relegation battle.
Instead of pulling up, Howe wants everyone, players, staff and fans to enjoy the experience, as he admitted he would «break off your arm» to be in this position — third in the table with three games to go — in August.
He would have said the same in January.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Newcastle — and Manchester United in fourth place — would have preferred it wasn't his team in uniform breathing down his neck, but Howe shrugged when asked about those comments.
Newcastle are one point ahead of Liverpool and play Brighton on Thursday night in St. James Park.
«I don't feel like we're being hunted,» Howe said with a smile. “I don’t feel these emotions. It's us against ourselves, really.
“This is how I see it. We are trying to be the best we can be. The whole season I did not focus on any other team. In my experience, I knew that Liverpool were always there because they are a top team that can win.
“They are very similar to Manchester City, where they can win a group game without blinking an eye. They have such experience. For us, we can't look at that or compare ourselves to Liverpool. We just have to look at ourselves.»
«We've surpassed our targets this season.»
Howe, however, took the opportunity to remind everyone how far Newcastle have come in a short period of time. They are well ahead of his expectations at the end of his first full season as manager, given that they are already guaranteed a place in the Europa League anyway.
“I ripped your arm off,” he added. “I don’t know if this is correct, but we weren’t there. We were at the beginning of the season when you pull yourself together… I think I sat in this room and said that this is to make sure that we are not fighting relegation.
«This we made sure we developed and improved the team enough to be stable in the Premier League and then we wanted to expand the team, maybe in the next seasons.
“Well, we have certainly surpassed that and I think we are now in a position where we have three games and to be in that position at the start of the season when everything is under your control means everything.
“At the moment, the hardest part is of course crossing the line and winning games, but that’s what we’ll try to do.
"Whenever you’re really into something If you want, which I'm sure everyone involved with the club is doing, the hardest part is finally getting there. I can't give you more than that. There is no science behind this. Whenever you want something in life and it's a big achievement, it's not easy to do.»
Newcastle lost at home to Arsenal and last drew with Leeds. a week, which allowed Liverpool to close the gap with seven victories in a row. But Howe maintained that his players have always responded well to adversity this season.
Allan Saint-Maximin's reaction to that Newcastle have delayed Leeds draw. Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt
“It’s very easy to forget [we only avoided relegation a year ago],” Howe said. “Even for me and, of course, for the players. Players are known to move very fast and have different mindsets.
“Just for a fraction of a second, we can say that we did it. We're on the right track and that's the most important thing when you've had a little setback. Reassess your position and focus on the future.
“This season we managed to do it very well. If we had a small spike, we always left again, and that's what we're going to do now.
“We're going to use all the positive energy we've created this season and really, there shouldn't be any pressure on us because we came from nowhere. We should try to attack the games we have ahead of us.
“I don't think I need to ask the fans to enjoy it. Based on the experience I've had and the facial expressions I see, I think our fans have enjoyed this year. Of course, I want them to enjoy the last three games as well.”
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