Eddie Howe Press Conference: Newcastle v Barcelona (UCL Round of 16)

Ahead of the massive first leg tie at St James' Park tomorrow against Barcelona Eddie Howe and Lewis Hall answered media questions ahead of the big night.

The Full Transcript: Eddie Howe's Key Quotes

On the magnitude of the game:

"We’ve never been in this position in the Champions League before. It’s the best competition there is, and for obvious reasons, this is a massive game in our history. We need to approach it that way. Tuesday is now really our season."

On the challenge of facing Barcelona:

"They are a very good technical team. In possession, they’re incredibly comfortable and they have world-class pace in wide areas. Our off-the-ball game plan has to be perfect. As soon as you make a technical mistake against them, you don’t see the ball again for a long time."

On the fitness of Anthony Gordon & Sandro Tonali:

"Anthony is in a good place. He’s an outstanding player and he’s in my thoughts for tomorrow. We had to protect him a bit against City due to an ankle problem, but he brings a directness we need. Sandro has also worked hard to be ready after his recent layoff. We’re in a cycle where we need to get players back fit at exactly the right time."

On the St. James' Park atmosphere:

"We need the fans to feel the same way we do. We have to find the energy to raise our performance to a level we may not have seen yet this season. Only then can we overcome a tie of this magnitude. I know the supporters will be magnificent; they always are on these nights."

On Nick Woltemade:

"I’ve been pleased with Nick. He’s come off the back of a bad illness and his attitude is spot on. His best qualities show when we have the ball, so the challenge for the midfield is to give him that platform against a team that wants to dominate possession."

Next up Lewis Hall

Newcastle's potential Player of The Season came across as very a very grounded and extremely focused young man who knows exactly where he is in his career.

My thunder has been stolen a bit because I had already decided to do a feature post on Hall who has show a consistently high level of performance that his teammates have been unable to match.

I'll keep my powder dry for now but one thing is for sure; Lewis Hall will not be fazed at all facing whoever Barcelona decide to play on the right wing.

This young man believes in himself and his ability and is a credit to the club and his family.

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