Howe and Newcastle ‘devastated’ at Milan defeat

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe feels ‘absolutely devastated’ to go out of both the Champions League and Europe after the 2-1 home defeat to Milan. ‘We couldn’t have tried harder.’

The group was wide open going into the final game, as the Rossoneri needed a win and for PSG to lose in Dortmund to continue in the Champions League, while Newcastle could get through with a victory as long as the Parisians did not win.

At one point during the evening, it was all going their way, but Milan came back from the Joelinton opener to win with Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze, while Paris Saint-Germain grabbed a point with Borussia Dortmund.

“I thought there were some really good bits, we were dominant at times, but probably needed the second goal. We didn’t defend the two goals well enough,” Howe told TNT Sports after finishing bottom and crashing out of Europe completely.

“It was very much end to end. Both teams were desperate to win. We wanted to win the game and we were trying to head for the Champions League so we had to be brave. They had to be brave. It made for a very good game. We did create chances and we’re absolutely devastated not to go through.”

There were plenty of regrets all around at St. James’ Park, as while Milan were still remembering the 26 attempts on goal they had in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle at San Siro, Howe was reminded of the extremely controversial PSG penalty that denied them victory at Parc des Princes.

“I think it would be foolish of me to look back and start bringing up old stuff. We had the opportunity tonight to do what we had to do, and we didn’t take it. We couldn’t have tried harder, I don’t think we left anything on the pitch.”

Newcastle managed to if anything have an even worse injury list than Milan, plus Sandro Tonali – who was in the stands this evening – suspended for illegal gambling.

“That’s what’s exposed us, the fact we haven’t had the ability to utilise the squad we’ve created. We’ve gone into games very limited in what we can do and that hasn’t helped us.”