Eddie Howe is desperate for his side to “do something special” and claim Newcastle’s first piece of major silverware in 69 years in the EFL Cup this season.
The Magpies have not won a domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup but go into tomorrow’s quarter-final clash with Brentford as favorites to secure a place in the last four.
Howe said: “That’s what we’re here for. I made it very clear when I came to Newcastle that this is what I wanted to achieve. I speak for the players and the coaching staff in this regard.
“When you get to this part of the competition, it’s important to recognize that this is our goal and what we’re trying to do. These games become hugely important when you reach the final stages.
“We want to be the team that can cross the line and achieve something special. As you go through the competition, these rounds are very challenging and nothing will be taken for granted from our side.”
Eddie Howe spoke to the media a while ago #NEWBRE in the quarter final of the Carabao Cup tomorrow 🗣️
You can watch today’s press conference live on the official Newcastle United app 📲 pic.twitter.com/CnMcZI3JvY
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 17, 2024
Beaten by the bees in the last encounter
Newcastle faced Brentford in the Premier League earlier this month, losing 4-2 in north-west London, but bounced back at the weekend with a 4-0 aggregate win over Leicester City.
Howe said: “It’s an interesting game to look back on for different things. Brentford went to Chelsea and played a different system but they don’t stray too far from their principles.
“Ultimately, when you look back at the game, we weren’t where we needed to be in the defensive aspect of our game, especially which was strange for us on the back of Liverpool’s performance. It was good to see us back to our defensive best against Leicester, I think that will be the big thing for us because we back ourselves to score.”
Given their desperation to end their trophy drought, Newcastle will likely go with a strong team tomorrow night.
“Every game is a cup final,” Howe said. “When you’re managing Newcastle you can’t afford to lose any games and certainly any team I pick is with that view – always with the view that this team can win and I’ll certainly try to do that tomorrow. “
