Eddie Howe says Newcastle are ready to win the final game of the Premier League season but admits their future is out of their hands.
The Magpies can still finish as high as sixth but are relying on Chelsea to lose at home to Bournemouth on Sunday.
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Should Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United all win, the Tynesiders would secure the final European place and compete in the Europa Conference League next season.
It would be a double drop compared to the 2023-24 campaign, when they finally returned to the Champions League.
But regardless of the permutations, Howe is determined to finish the campaign on a high.
Speaking at his press conference, he said: “It’s a big last day for us, there’s no denying that.
“We go into game knowing we have to do our part, which is win the game.
“That is no mean feat, it’s going to be a tough game, and then we’re in the hands of other clubs.
“The players are determined to finish on a high. We could have got more from the last two games and we didn’t.
“We have to do everything we can to do our part.
🎙️ Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of Sunday’s season finale at Brentford:
“It’s a big last day for us, there’s no denying that. We go into the game knowing we have to do our part, which is try and win the game. Then we’re in the hands of other clubs. The players are… pic.twitter.com/rrc0TBxFps
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 17, 2024
“What we don’t want to do is for the other teams to make a mistake and we’re not there to capitalise on it.”
The good news for Newcastle fans is that Callum Wilson will return to the squad for the trip to Brentford.
The bad news is that Anthony Gordon is a doubt and Howe could not confirm whether the Englishman will play after having a rough time of things at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
Busy summer ahead?
Newcastle are reportedly on the limit of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which may mean they are limited in this summer’s transfer window.
But the head coach revealed plans for the upcoming market are being finalised and there will be movement both in and out of the club.
He added: “We’ve been finalising plans.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty over transfers in general, with prices and how much activity there will be.
“For us, there’s a lot that could happen but it’s one of those things we’ll have to see how it unfolds.”
