- 5 months ago
Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimarães on Newcastle return to Champions League ahead of Barcelona
17/09/2025
St James' Park, Newcastle, UK
uefa25 champions league
17/09/2025
St James' Park, Newcastle, UK
uefa25 champions league
Category
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SportsTranscript
00:00Good afternoon everyone, welcome to St James' Park, head of tomorrow's match with Barcelona.
00:28We'll have Eddie Howe now and we'll start with Rudy Gimoraj at 4.20pm.
00:33Due to space and time, we'll have to restrict you to one question each, if that's okay.
00:38If you want to just raise your hand and get my attention, we'll come to you.
00:42Do you want to start with that?
00:44Eddie, Newcastle Barcelona has got a special ring to it, it's obviously a historic fixture.
00:51How much are you looking forward to leaving your team in this game ahead of our new Champions League champions?
01:00Yeah, absolutely, I think it is a historic fixture, I think it's one that as soon as we realised we were drawn against Barcelona,
01:08it had a sort of a magical feel to it, I think it'll be an amazing game to experience.
01:15Obviously, we've been focusing on the tactical preparation and making sure we deliver a good performance.
01:21I'm really excited to sample the atmosphere, I think that will just be an incredible thing again.
01:27Maybe two seasons ago, the PSG game set the benchmark for you, would you like tomorrow night to do the same for you again?
01:39Yeah, I think there's things we can certainly take from that game,
01:43but of course there's things we can take from that experience, the whole thing.
01:46Ultimately, we didn't progress beyond the group stage, that was a big disappointment.
01:52So I think we can use those experiences to help us.
01:55I think for this individual game, which is all we can focus on is trying to get a positive result,
01:59it's trying to prepare the players for the game.
02:01We've in part done that yesterday and today and we've still got some preparations to finish off.
02:07I'm looking forward to seeing how we play against them and how we match up as a team.
02:12Certainly a lot of confidence now restored to the group having won on Saturday.
02:17We've got to Luke, Mark and Chris, please. Luke.
02:21You said the lessons from the last Premier League campaign two years ago,
02:27what makes you think we're better equipped this time around to deal with it?
02:31Well, I think that experience in part, just the size and the magnitude of those games,
02:36everything that goes into a Champions League game, it is different from the Premier League.
02:40The build-up's different, the feel's different.
02:43So I think having done that before can certainly help us again.
02:47Again, I think the squad is arguably stronger.
02:53I don't know. You could always make a debate either way.
02:56Of course, the squad has changed from two years ago, so it's a different squad.
03:01And I think, you know, I back the quality that we have.
03:05Certainly the tough games, you know, it's a tough-looking fixture list for us.
03:10And I think the early games are really important because they set the foundation and they set the tone.
03:15And that's why we're really focusing on our performance and trying to deliver a good one.
03:19Mark?
03:20Maybe there was a sense that last time it was a fantastic experience to be part of the Champions League,
03:25but I'm assuming this time the focus is very much on getting through to the next round,
03:29especially before that change.
03:31Yeah, I think, as I said, there was a lot of unknowns last time.
03:36And yes, the focus was always on trying to get through the group stage.
03:39But there was a feeling that we were sampling it all new and we enjoyed it,
03:45but ultimately we did fail.
03:47So I think this time the resolve is stronger to try and progress and not just enjoy the experience,
03:52but try and make it a meaningful one.
03:54I think we've done that historically in the past from learning from different things
03:57and then trying to add layers, whether that's our preparation or our general performance.
04:02And we'll try to do so again.
04:04Anthony Gordon has been suspended for the last Premier League match.
04:10Is he in your thoughts for tomorrow?
04:12And how is he in terms of mentally going into this match?
04:14Having missed the last couple of years?
04:16Yeah, Anthony's good.
04:17Yeah, of course he's in my thoughts.
04:18He's an outstanding player and you can't have enough of those.
04:23So we'll look to utilise him whether, you know, we think that's from the start of the game.
04:28Let's wait and see.
04:29But I think he brings a pace to our forward line, a directness that you always need.
04:37I think it's an important season for him and his career.
04:41And we're looking forward to helping him reach his very highest levels if we can.
04:45Thanks, Chris.
04:46Third row from the back.
04:47Yeah.
04:48Good afternoon.
04:49Good afternoon, Raku.
04:50Is he going to play tomorrow?
04:51Is he going to play tomorrow?
04:52Are you going to play tomorrow?
04:53Is he going to play tomorrow?
04:54Is he going to play tomorrow?
04:55Is he going to play tomorrow?
04:56Is he going to play tomorrow?
04:58Yeah, I think I had this question on Saturday night.
05:09And for me it's a shame he's not playing.
05:11I'm disappointed that we don't get to see him at his best and playing in the game.
05:17But whoever they play, they've got real pace in wide areas.
05:20We know that.
05:21They've got international players that will challenge us in different ways.
05:25So I think structurally our team performance has got to be really strong.
05:30I think we've got to defend well in wide areas.
05:32So, yeah, we're looking forward to that battle.
05:35Just off to the left.
05:36Yeah.
05:37Hi, Ali.
05:38Just a quick question.
05:39You spoke about the magical field and the special moment of what it is.
05:42Just a few years ago when you came in.
05:44You were in a relegation battle and now you're the ambassador in the Champions League.
05:47What moment in this whole journey stands out for you as the biggest turning point in changing the Champions League?
05:54I don't think there was one moment I ever necessarily thought that.
06:04I think it's a very gradual process we went through from staying in the league initially.
06:08We knew that was a big moment for us in terms of the speed of our rise as a football club.
06:14Because to do that in the championship is very, very difficult.
06:19There's no guarantee you're going to get out of that league anyway.
06:21It's so competitive.
06:22So staying in it firstly was huge.
06:25And then the togetherness that we were able to build and the speed of our unity was fundamentally vital.
06:34And I just think we've grown in confidence as we've gone through the seasons.
06:38But progression is very difficult.
06:40And to keep that progression at the speed that we've had is probably our biggest challenge that we face.
06:49Eddie, a lot of people spoke about the 1997 game, which was a match on night.
06:53Two years ago against PSG, it was another match on night.
06:56For the development of the club though, is it important that you progress beyond just these isolated incidents,
07:01getting to the huge stage moments this time?
07:05Yeah, I think that's the challenge that we are looking to take on.
07:09Because yes, we want magical nights.
07:11We want those moments that everyone remembers.
07:14The iconic games are great, but we also want consistent results.
07:18We want both.
07:19You want everything.
07:20So I'm sure during this Champions League season, we'll have games where maybe we don't perform as well.
07:26But we've got to try and find a way even in those moments of generating positive results that hopefully can carry us through.
07:32Anthony Alanga, who's been on the bench recently, how far away are you to get him back to that play?
07:42I've been devastated defence last season.
07:44Have you had a few difficult conversations with him as well?
07:48No, no, no difficult conversations with him. I think he's in a good place.
07:53I've been really pleased with how he's integrated himself into the group, how he's committed to the training that we've asked him to do.
08:00He's got standout qualities and attributes that we need. Again, similar to Anthony, he's got that outstanding pace and directness.
08:09He's going through a process where he's trying to understand everything that's required of him here,
08:15which is very different to what was required of his former club, which he did really, really well.
08:21Last season, obviously, in a slightly different style, so that acclimatisation will take a period.
08:27But I think he's well on the way to doing that and I'm delighted with him.
08:31Craig, Eddie, there's two questions in one, but they are related. First of all, what do you think of the new, expanding format for your first time in it?
08:38Is it easier to get through in the same part as that?
08:41Regardless of that, how important is it for players already here, because you saw what happened last year?
08:47Do you make those last stages to send that message, not just to the outside world, but to those in the interest?
08:52Yeah, I mean, I like the format. I think more games is good for us. I think we're learning as a team and we're adapting to the competition.
09:04So I think the more we can face the competition, I think the better we will become, ultimately, feel more comfortable in the environment.
09:12Whether it's easier to qualify or not, I don't know. I mean, that remains to be seen in terms of our strength and how well we do.
09:19But certainly there's benefits all across the board in terms of reaching, firstly, qualifying from the original groups, our original first target.
09:28So there'd be many benefits to that, financial, of course, and as you say, showing the squad that we're strong enough.
09:34But I always say in response to those questions, the players have to show that they're good enough to play at this level
09:42and they're excelling at the level, playing isn't good enough. We need players to excel and to do very well.
09:48We understand that at this level we can't look beyond the next game, but would it be fair to assume that it must be part of the international break
09:57focusing on this game as well as the rules of the weekend?
10:01Yeah, I think planning and looking ahead is key, I think, in my role.
10:07So the international break was a busy one for me, a lot of watching of future opponents to make sure that you're not then preparing the next game in two or three days.
10:14You've got a foresight that you need to either pick a team or change tactically.
10:19It's very difficult to do that on the spot. So yeah, I feel we're quite good now at doing that.
10:25So yeah, a lot of football was watched.
10:26I think, well, firstly, a very good technical team, very good possession, sorry, in possession, very comfortable on the ball,
10:33all their players look at ease in that respect. And as I said earlier, a lot of pace in wide areas,
10:40a lot of goals as you saw in their last game, their free scoring, they started the season very well.
10:48So, I think all of those things lead to us having to defend, to fight ourselves and to fight ourselves.
10:55I think, well, firstly, a very good technical team, very good possession, sorry, in possession.
10:58Very comfortable on the ball, all their players look at ease in that respect.
11:02And as I said earlier, a lot of pace in wide areas. A lot of goals as you saw in their last game, their free scoring start the season very well.
11:07I think all of those things lead to us having to defend very well,
11:10so our off-the-ball game plan has got to be very strong.
11:14We've started the season really well defensively,
11:16so a continuation of that is going to be needed.
11:19You mentioned so far the end of the weekend,
11:22have you tucked into those lifts ahead of the scale of the players
11:24and how determined are you able to create your own history?
11:28Yeah, well, I haven't necessarily gone to that area yet.
11:32I think there's still time.
11:33I think for me it's mostly been about so far that just the actual game
11:38and the tactical viewpoint and making sure we're prepared.
11:41But certainly psychologically, when we go into that area,
11:44that might be something I use.
11:47Barcelona are a club with a certain historical aura.
11:51Do you think that Newcastle United are starting to develop their own
11:54with winning a trophy and the way you've played the last three years?
11:58Yeah, I hope so.
12:00I think that's important for us to try and build that.
12:03That's never the intention.
12:05That will be the result of what you deliver.
12:09But I think whoever plays us hopefully will know
12:11that they're in for a very competitive game.
12:13They're up against a team that will commit everything physically.
12:18And we play with a lot of heart and spirit,
12:20so I think that they're the qualities that we're going to need
12:22regardless of who our opponents are.
12:24Yeah, we're trying to take everything into consideration
12:44when we're picking the teams at the moment.
12:45We're having an eye on the future, as in future games,
12:49to make sure that whatever team we pick is balanced.
12:53The priority is to always win the next game.
12:56But we're, of course, looking ahead to who we have available
12:59with future games in mind.
13:03So, yeah, team selections aren't always straightforward.
13:06I think there's a lot that goes into it.
13:07We'll take a few more.
13:09Start with Louise.
13:10We've got to Gary.
13:11Dominic.
13:12Louise.
13:13Hi, Ed.
13:13Do you feel that you're quite similar to Hanson Kic
13:17in the sense that you're both like hybrid
13:19and willing to change styles?
13:21I mean, he was calling him a Fiji Tucker
13:23when he was in the league and he was in his round.
13:26I mean, do you feel as...
13:29Yeah, I mean, I don't know in a sense of comparing styles.
13:33I think he has a clear vision of how he wants his teams to play
13:36and I admire how they play
13:38and I think he's had a brilliant career.
13:40So, certainly a coach that I've got a lot of respect for.
13:43I think we will try and look at every game individually
13:46and try and pick a plan,
13:48whether that's on the ball or off the ball,
13:50to try and win the match
13:51while also sticking to a philosophy and a principle of play
13:55that we believe in.
13:56We've never veered from that too far,
13:58Jason and I, throughout our management career.
14:01So, we'll continue with that theme and that vein.
14:05We look at every game in depth
14:07and try and find a way to win.
14:09Thanks, Lewis. Gary?
14:10Hi, Eddie.
14:10I noticed from the kids just this morning
14:12on trade today's music, DJ Bruno.
14:16Can you just explain what that is?
14:18Is that something new this season?
14:20Is it a different player league today?
14:21What's the idea behind it?
14:24No, that's been there for a while.
14:26I think we allow the players and the staff members,
14:29I haven't had my go yet,
14:30to bring their music of choice to the warm-up.
14:33Certainly the lads won't, I think, like what I bring,
14:36but hopefully that comes around soon.
14:39So, today it was Bruno's
14:40and it wasn't too bad.
14:41It had obviously a Brazilian flavour to it
14:42and it's nice to hear the lads' music of choice.
14:46We'll go to Dominic and then we'll finish on Jordan.
14:48Hi, Eddie.
14:49Is there any update on Johan Wissam
14:51when you'll be expecting to see Johan back in line?
14:53Johan will, we hope, be back
14:56after the next international break.
14:59So, that's the plan.
15:00Off the top of my head, is it Brighton?
15:02I think it's the first game.
15:04So, that can always change
15:07and it's always flexible,
15:09but I think that's what I've been told.
15:10OK, I'm going to take one from the gentleman in the blue,
15:13right in the back, please.
15:14Yeah.
15:17That's you.
15:18Well, I think it's a tough one.
15:44I always think with those questions,
15:46I'm probably better off not giving you a direct answer.
15:49I think they've got many good players.
15:53And, yeah, I think it's difficult to pick one out.
15:56OK.
15:57Completed this part of the press conference.
15:58Rudin Guimaraes will be with you very shortly.
16:00Thanks very much.
16:02Good luck.
18:10I don't think I have a need.
18:15Hello, everyone.
18:16We have the roving mic today, so if you just catch my attention and we'll bring you back four rounds.
18:21Mark has got it there.
18:22We'll do more questions each, please, and we'll try and get around as many as possible.
18:25We'll start with you, Keith.
18:26Did he like it?
18:36I heard a little bit from myself.
18:37I didn't know what it was.
18:38I just wondered if you could tell us.
18:40Well, it was a Brazilian funk.
18:42I think the boys enjoy it.
18:43It's some music that I normally put in the changing room.
18:46So every week we have a player who puts a music and just was my time now.
18:52And I think everyone enjoy it.
18:54Hopeful the gaffer as well.
18:55Just on the game, how much are you looking forward and excited by the challenge of playing Barcelona?
19:02And I suppose a few guys probably know when the Barcelona fight is around.
19:05I'm very excited.
19:06I've never faced Barcelona before.
19:08It's some of the team that I watched when I was young and was the player that made me feel in love with football was Ronaldinho.
19:17So I always watch Barcelona play.
19:20And after Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, and nice to see another Brazilian shine there again, Rafinha.
19:26So I think we're very excited.
19:28I can't wait to get tomorrow and play this game.
19:38I'd like to ask you about the summer and Alexander Issa and Kriven.
19:46As captain, how did you feel about that?
19:50Did you feel a little bit disappointed about the way you went about the football?
19:55No, I think football is business.
19:58I think the club made a choice.
20:02He's gone.
20:03I wish him all the best.
20:05I'm grateful for everything we achieved together.
20:08But it's not time to look at the past.
20:09It's time to look to the fall, to look at the future, to look at the game tomorrow.
20:15And we are very excited for it tomorrow.
20:17The ambition here, you're getting very high.
20:20You've always said you want to go on with a bit of lots of trophies here.
20:23That's still very much your mindset now.
20:24You want to succeed here?
20:26Yes, for me, yes.
20:27I never changed my mind.
20:28I always look forward.
20:29I always look to make a history with this club.
20:32It's nice to be in the Champions League two times in the last three.
20:37It's unbelievable for us.
20:38So, yeah, we have to keep going.
20:40A lot of the job to do here yet.
20:43So, yeah, we can't wait to get tomorrow.
20:45And I'm very happy to be part of this club.
20:46So, yeah, we'll have to go.
20:47I'll go for Damien next, please.
20:51Dan, you mentioned Phineas and Javi there.
20:54You've played with and against some of the best players in the world.
20:57How good is Sandro for now?
21:00Very good.
21:00Very, very good.
21:01I think I'm enjoying a lot to play his side.
21:04I think we completed Teodá.
21:06I think he's enjoyed playing my side as well.
21:08So, we have a very good connection with Joe as well.
21:10I think we have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, to be honest.
21:15And now we have to prove it in the Champions League as well.
21:18I think the midfield does almost everything for the club.
21:24Because we have to attack, we have to defend, we have to build up.
21:26We have to save the balls in line, we have to score as well.
21:29So, yeah, we have, as a team, everything going through to the midfield.
21:34And it's nice to share the pitch with good players.
21:38We've got Joe Buck in the middle and gentlemen just behind him as well, please.
21:41I like it.
21:50I like it.
21:50He's impressing me in the trainings as well.
21:53I think he's very, very young.
21:55We have seen he was not used to the Premier League pace.
21:58He got cramps with 45 minutes, never seen this before.
22:02But, yeah, it was nice.
22:03I'm very happy for him.
22:05Scoring in his debut was a moment to remember for him.
22:09I hope this may continue, but he's showing his quality in the trainings as well.
22:16So, yeah, he's a good player.
22:31It's a good question.
22:32Even myself, I don't know how.
22:33I just try to play my football and to be the best Bruno possible for the team.
22:40Try to help my teammates get the ball in every moment, never hide myself for a game.
22:48I think this is my biggest attribute to the team.
22:51But, yeah, it's a good question.
22:52I don't know how.
22:53I just want to play and keep it that way.
22:56I don't know how to play.
23:26I think he's playing a great job.
23:27I think he's playing a great job.
23:29But, yeah, it's good that he wins against us.
23:33But, as you said, we're playing against the Barça, not against the Mille.
23:35I'm reminded when you first came in and signed for Newcastle, you said that you could possibly win the Champions League.
23:53What's the goal this season, what's the aim of this season? Do you just get as far as you can?
23:59Yeah, to be honest, yes. Get as far as we can. Of course, in the future, it's going to be something that we're looking for.
24:09But at the moment, we just want to go. We don't want to put some limits in our dream.
24:16We just want to play game by game and see what we got. But we're very excited and we hope we can go as far as possible.
24:24Do you think the club and the team as a whole is better equipped for the Champions League now than it was two years ago?
24:33Definitely, I think so. I think now it's quite different as well. They changed the rules. Of course, we got more experience.
24:43I think we were very unlucky last time in the group we took as well. We lost many, many players injury.
24:50I think we now signed some players. We are strong as a team as well.
24:54I remember the game we did against PSG. We have four keepers in the bench and the three players for the academy.
25:01So it was quite strange a feeling. I think now we have more experience and we can't wait to go through tomorrow.
25:10We are with Chris Scott and then.
25:13Hi, Guru. You've played all the minutes in the Champions League last time.
25:17You set the Premier League record from the Arsenal Premier League for consecutive appearances.
25:21You've mentioned about playing in midfield, how difficult it is.
25:24How do you stay fit all the time without one objective?
25:27How do you keep going in that sort of combative area of the midfield and just keep yourself fit to be able to score?
25:33Oh, it's a good question. But I try to manage it with my whole team. I have my personal physio. I have my personal trainer as well.
25:44They are talking with the club every time. So when I finish the game, I spend a lot of time doing the recovery to be ready for the next game.
25:52I play Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday. So we have to be ready.
25:57To be honest, sometimes the Gaffer talks to me and they say, Gaffer, I don't want to be out.
26:03I want to play every game as possible because the career is short.
26:07And I can say, I have this with me. I don't like to be out. Even when he wants to put me out, I say, I don't think this is the moment.
26:18And this moment I never get. So yeah, I just try to help the team and the club the best way possible.
26:24Since you were made captain, you've developed a really good relationship with the supporters.
26:32They really seem to enjoy you, really love you. Has it become different for you in the city?
26:38How have you found living in Newcastle in the last year or so?
26:42And do you feel that your relationship with the city has become even stronger as well as with the club?
26:49I think so. I never thought to go in a restaurant and not pay the bill. So, it's what's going on at some restaurants at that time.
26:57But yes, I'm enjoying. To be honest with you, I never thought this would happen when I first signed for the club.
27:05I always have faithful in my job and my teammates in the club.
27:10But the things have been very, very good, better than I thought.
27:15But yeah, I'm just enjoying. Like I said, when I put the shirt on, I try to play like a Georgie.
27:20Give everything that I can for to help the club, help the city.
27:24Like I said, we have been together for three years and a half and everything has been amazing for the club.
27:31And I hope this may continue.
27:39Yes, I do. I cannot say to you now what I have.
27:43But to be honest with you, I don't think we need that much. Everyone is very excited for the game.
27:48Everyone, since when we beat both, our focus straight away was focused on Barcelona game.
27:54So I think everyone in a good place. We fit enough to go here tomorrow and deliver a very good performance.
28:24Have you ever seen it very close to Barcelona?
28:54I think playing at home is always a weapon for us, we can show in the Champions League
29:17what we can do here, against great games, in the Premier League, we have to play our
29:24best football tomorrow, because Barcelona is the best team in the world, we have to be ready
29:29to fight until the last minute and try to get the three points.
29:54Rafinha is always a very good player, I am happy that he is playing his best football,
30:06for me today he is one of the best players in the world, we have to have a lot of attention
30:11tomorrow with him, but I am not surprised at this moment, because Rafinha always loved.
30:18Rafinha is a good question.
30:30You mentioned Ronaldinho, there has been Rivaldo as well, what does Boston mean to the Brazilian
30:40Champions League?
30:41That is a good question, even more of those players you spoke, all legends in the club and
30:50in the national team as well, like I said in Brazil we watch a lot of La Liga, so Barcelona
30:56and Madrid, everyone is top to do what they do and to see the game, like I said, the player
31:03who made me feel in love with football was him, I have posters, banners, everything about
31:08Ronaldinho in my home, so yeah, of course they have Romário, Rivaldo, all top players,
31:14so yeah, that's what I can say.
31:17Hi Bruno, on the back of the situation with Alexander Isaac, what can the club do and what does
31:24the club need to do to make sure that they can get new guys as players, everything you want
31:29to stay here and players go elsewhere?
31:32That was a good question, I don't know exactly what the club can do, I think we have the fair
31:38play financial, I don't know if this affects or not, I'm not under the table to see the
31:44circumstances, I don't know what was going on, but I think football is business, if the club
31:50did, I think they should do, but I think as a player, we don't want to lose our best players,
31:59but if you want to be successful, we have to improve our squad, I think we did this very,
32:03very well in this summer and we look forward to go again.
32:06I think we've got three at the back, a gentleman in the back of Barcelona.
32:11Thank you very much.
32:13Before we get into the center of the camp, I would like to know if you think the center of
32:17the camp is at the back of Barcelona, who has the great players, and what do you think
32:22about Pedri?
32:27I've already played with Pedri in the finals of the Olympics, in Japan, where we won 2-1,
32:34so I've already played Pedri for a long time, a great player.
32:38I think we have to fight in the middle field, it's always very important.
32:44Like I said, Barcelona has a little team, we have to be ready to fight in the middle of the
32:50field.
32:51It's tough, huh?
32:52Good question.
32:53But I think that's mine too, Dembele, Vitinha.
32:54It's tough, huh?
32:55Good question.
33:00But I think that's mine too, Dembele, Dembele, Vitinha.
33:01So I think that Rafinha is between the four.
33:02It's tough.
33:03It's tough, huh?
33:04Good question.
33:05But I think that's mine too, Dembele, Vitinha.
33:07I think that's mine too, Dembele, Vitinha.
33:09So I think that Rafinha is between the four.
33:13It's tough.
33:14It's tough.
33:15It's tough.
33:16It's tough.
33:17It's tough.
33:18Good question.
33:19But I think that's mine too, Dembele, Vitinha.
33:23So I think that Rafinha is between the four.
33:32Thank you very much, guys.
33:33Bye.
33:34Bye.
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