00:00Eddie Howe praised his Newcastle United side's effort against Barcelona in the Champions League, despite the Magpies losing by two goals to one on their return to the competition at St James' Park.
00:12A lot of effort, a lot of commitment, a lot of heart from the players. I thought it was a good performance without being a great one. To beat Barcelona, I think it needs to be a great one. We had the chances. Two big moments in that first half we didn't take. Ultimately, when you concede the first goal, the game swings on that moment.
00:33We obviously tried to make it difficult for Barcelona to settle into the game. We wanted to try and regain the ball high if they played out from the back. I thought we had good success with that. I was pretty pleased.
00:44We knew there'd be phases also in the game where we'd have to defend a little bit lower. We'd have to be good in defending space and relatively pleased with that as well until the first goal.
00:55The first goal was a big moment. Firstly, we don't stop the cross and then we don't mark well enough in the box and we concede. I think when you're chasing the game against them, that becomes very difficult because they can exploit gaps that maybe you wouldn't have left previously. So that was probably the most challenging part of the game for us.
01:12And Sunderland head coach Regis Labrice has praised Aston Villa and said that they are a strong side, despite the shaky start that they have made to this season.
01:22They are a strong team. They didn't start well. It's obvious. Below their expectations, it's clear. But they are top six team, no doubt. So we'll have to play our best football. It's really obvious and crucial. Without waiting for gifts, it won't happen. After that, we can't control the opposition. If they are a bit weaker, maybe it's better for us, but we don't know.
01:51Are you surprised by their start? Bearing in mind, as you say, they finished six last season and it's pretty much the same players, same team?
01:59Yeah, I don't know because it's still a question of scenario and circumstances sometimes. Confidence is always a bit fragile. We know that's the case for us. It's the case for the best teams in this league.
02:14Thank you very much.
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