00:00So, as you might be able to see behind me there, Barcelona are training ahead of their clash against Vigasi United in the Champions League here at St James' Park on Thursday night.
00:10Just out of Eddie Howe's press conference, Bruno Guimara spoke to the press as well.
00:14The main news is Eddie Howe confirmed that Johan Wisser will be out until after the international break, so that's another five games definitely out of Barcelona.
00:22And obviously that means he's not going to be able to feature against Bournemouth, Arsenal or Nottingham Forest in the league and will not play against Bradford, Union, St Jalois as well before the international break.
00:31That's a big blow, but I think it's one that everyone expected.
00:34But I think the main topic of conversation was surrounding the atmosphere at St James' Park, how the crowd can really help me get to drive to victory.
00:42I think we all remember the game against PSG a couple of years ago, of course, that famous win against Barcelona 28 years ago.
00:47Not today, actually. That was before my time. But yeah, there's been numerous special nights at Newcastle in the European competition, but they'll hope this time.
00:56And Eddie Howe made a point of saying that it's not just the odd night in this run, that actually they can put a string of results together and really get, you know, get into that next knockout stage.
01:06Because they've never met or reached the knockout stage in the Champions League ever.
01:10So it's really important that they can get to that.
01:12The reformat competition means they just have to finish in the top 24.
01:14Newcastle are very much capable of doing that, but it doesn't get pretty much tougher, especially at home.
01:20Then Barcelona, Hansi Flick was asked about the atmosphere.
01:22He said his team will be well prepared for it.
01:25Spoke about the mix of youth in his squad and the mix of experienced internationals.
01:30Of course, no, Lamin Yamaal, that's the biggest highlight from Barcelona.
01:33I think that he won't be playing. I think everyone thought that would happen.
01:36But, you know, not having him there will be a big blow for them.
01:40And of course, Newcastle United will be boosted by that.
01:41I know some fans might be a bit gutted to not say someone like Yamaal plays here in Jim's Park.
01:45But realistically, you know, Newcastle United will want to beat the teams they come up against.
01:49And any team without Yamaal will be weaker for that.
01:52So Newcastle will be hopeful that they can capitalise on that tomorrow.
01:55And as I mentioned, Bruno spoke to the press.
01:57He was very open about that Ronaldinho was his idol growing up.
02:00And that Barcelona, because of Ronaldinho, because of all the other Brazilian players,
02:04and because of just how massive as a club they are.
02:06You know, you forget that Barcelona are a huge football institution, football club.
02:11And how he grew up watching Barcelona, how he idolised, as I said, Ronaldinho.
02:15And then talked about players like Xavi and Iniesta and sort of people that he can mark his game at.
02:20So, yeah, it's going to be a fantastic occasion.
02:23I think that everyone's ready for it.
02:24Obviously, 52,000 fans in here tomorrow night.
02:27Of course, a sold-out clash.
02:29Barcelona have only brought less than 1,000 fans, about 800 tickets.
02:32So the vast majority inside St. James' Park will be Newcastle United fans.
02:36And as I mentioned, they'll be really hopeful that they can get that atmosphere,
02:39really channel that atmosphere and make it a hostile place for Barcelona.
02:43And Barcelona will be used to hostile places, of course.
02:45You know, anyone who's ever seen Real Madrid, Barcelona Derby,
02:49they'll know that them games can be hostile.
02:50And Barcelona have played in stadiums across Europe.
02:54And they'll have played in the most hostile of atmospheres.
02:55But Newcastle United really have a chance to get on that.
02:58And, you know, looking at the questions asked by the Spanish press today,
03:01there was a lot made of the St. James' Park atmosphere.
03:04So you can tell they're clearly Barcelona, or they're fearing it.
03:08So, yeah, tomorrow night, Newcastle United, Barcelona in the Champions League.
03:14Yeah, stay tuned to the Shields because they're for all the latest news
03:16revolving around that.
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