Eddie Howe: Benfica has great attacking firepower and will be a tough challenge for us

This Wednesday, October 20, Newcastle will face Benfica at home in the Champions League. Coach Eddie Howe talked about the topic of this game at the pre-match press conference.

About tomorrow's game

"Benfica has a lot of attacking firepower that we have to deal with. We have no illusions about that. Tactically it will be an interesting game and a difficult challenge for us, but hopefully we can rise to the occasion."

About Tonali The situation

"He is a little unwell, so it is uncertain whether he can participate in the game. We will give him as many opportunities as possible. He did not participate in training today. He is a very important player and we will make full use of the remaining time."

About the team's performance so far this season

"It's frustrating, I think we're just one step away from getting a better result. The team's performance has been strong and the defense has done a good job, although there were some mistakes against Brighton that resulted in us being punished."

"We are working hard to create chances, the best example That was our goal. It was a great goal from the goalkeeper to the finish. You have to make your own luck and just keep doing the right things to turn things around and I think we just have to keep our faith."

On losing. Brighton game

"We felt we needed to play one more game and we were happy to play again quickly and try to rebuild the momentum with our performance. Looking back at the Brighton game, it's a mixed feeling. There were a lot of good things in the game, but in the end the result didn't matter, we lost the game and we knew we needed to To improve."

About returning to the Champions League

"We love games like this. The score against Barcelona at home last time could have been completely different. We have been in this unpredictable situation many times this season, and it was the same that night. The second game had a similar feeling. I have no doubt the atmosphere will be electric and I hope our performance will match the enthusiasm of the crowd. "

On Mourinho's relationship with Sir Bobby Robson

"I heard what Mourinho said about Newcastle and I agree with it. Sir Bobby Robson and his role in his career are all spoken very highly of throughout the club and it's really great to hear that. But that all stops when the game starts tomorrow. We want to win, we desperately need points and this game will be a tough competition between two great clubs. "