Kylian Mbappé’s Paris Saint-Germain, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and last year’s semi-finalists and seven-time winners AC Milan represents the hardest possible re-introduction to the Champions League for Newcastle United, but the reaction on Tyneside is one of excitement at such a challenging task ahead.
Where there were gasps in Monaco when Newcastle were pulled out, it was cheers in the north east. These will be evenings to savour, atmospheres to cherish and the Magpies will be back in the position where they remain most comfortable: underestimated, unfancied and with a super-sized point to prove.
“The super group of death,” was how CEO Darren Eales described it. But he was at pains to stress that Newcastle’s intention was not simply to make up the numbers in a group that harbours at least two clubs with ambitions to go deep in the competition.
“We feel we have the players and the coaching staff and the set up to compete with all the best teams. It will be tough but we will give it our best,” he said.
The early response from Newcastle insiders was giddy. They will see that as a showcase for their transformation of the club, as well as the easiest commercial sell of all time.
“We’ll be one of, if not the, biggest game of every match day,” one Newcastle connection said. It is a global platform they could not have dreamed of 12 months ago.
For Eddie Howe, it will be a litmus test of his ability to take the next step as a manager.
Newcastle’s hierarchy have previously said they believe they have an heir to Sir Alex Ferguson in the unassuming Howe and insiders speak with admiration about his tactical acumen and potential.
Few English managers spoken about like that get a crack at the Champions League on their own terms but that opportunity arrives for Howe this autumn. If he can devise traps for Mbappé and strategies for the San Siro, his CV will start moving closer to the elite status he craves.
For supporters, the only worry is getting tickets, both for home games that could probably be sold out three times over and away matches where the demand will far outstrip supply, even in such historic venues.
When the fixtures are confirmed tomorrow, travel websites will groan under the weight of Newcastle fans scrambling for flights. Huge numbers will travel without tickets.
Finally, the size of the games means the scrutiny will be on the Saudi connection that many regulars at St James’ Park would still rather not engage with.
Will it be possible to avoid the geo-politics of Qatar’s PSG facing Saudi-financed Newcastle on the autumn nights when those games take place?
And will Dortmund’s left-leaning ultras choose to make a point when United arrive at Signal Iduna Park?
It is a group full of intrigue, possibility and emotion. It feels like the perfect stage for Newcastle’s return to top-level European competition.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/XFWvu90
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