Eddie Howe insists there will be ‘no fear’ from Newcastle after the club learned their opponents for the Champions League’s group stage.
Newcastle have been placed in a fascinating group alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, instantly dubbed the tournament’s ‘Group of Death’ after being drawn in Monaco on Friday evening.
It will be the first competitive meeting for Newcastle against each of those three teams, as the Magpies return to the Champions League for the first time since 2002/03.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Brighton, Howe said his side are relishing the chance to take on some illustrious European names.
“When the dust settles, you look at it with pure excitement,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
“There’s no negativity from any of us. It’s hard, it’s challenging but some great European games for us to experience.
“It doesn’t matter who we play. There has to be an attitude of no fear. No doubts. Let’s embrace everything it will bring. It will challenge us hugely so no doubts about the size of the challenge. But bring it on! That has to be how we feel.”
Newcastle face another team competing in Europe this season, when the Magpies travel to Brighton on Saturday evening. Ahead of the clash, Howe was full of praise for the Seagulls and manager Roberto De Zerbi.
“They’re a very interesting team. Roberto has done an amazing job. He’s a very unique coach in the way he gets his team to play. The style of play is really good.
“He deserves a lot of credit. The players deserve a lot of credit for what they did last season and how they’ve started this one.”
