Eddie Howe delivers key messages ahead of Newcastle United playing PSV Eindhoven

Eddie Howe has been talking ahead of Newcastle United taking on PSV E|indhoven.

NUFC looking to make it 13 points from seven Champions League matches.

Newcastle United having won against Union S-G, Benfica and Athletic Club Bilbao, as well as drawing against Bayer Leverkusen.

United looking to finish in the Swiss League stage between 9th and 24th as a minimum, to get a play-off chance for the final 16 knockout stage.

Whilst top eight would mean automatic progress to the last 16.

Eddie Howe’s team may have already done enough to get a play-off spot but a win against PSV Eindhoven would guarantee that as a minimum.

Whilst wins over PSV at home and then PSG away, could well be enough for a top eight place.

Eddie Howe speaking at his Newcastle United pre-match press conference ahead of facing PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park:

Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade:

“I think there is an individual expectation that they have to max out on the pitch and give their all. I think if they do that, they both have standout qualities that will help us, whichever one we pick. All we can ask from them is that they give their absolute all for the team and then the team needs to create moments for them to hopefully decide the game.”

Eddie Howe on the challenge PSV and PSG pose:

“We will relish the two games we have to come.

“We have to win the two games in front of us, starting with tomorrow. It’s a great game for us.

“PSV are a very good team.

“I’ve been impressed in the research we’ve done on them and the way they’ve been playing.

“It’s set up to be a great game.”

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United scoring 13 goals in their six Champions League fixtures so far:

“You can see in the players that there is a real stimulation about these games, a real focus.

“You can see it in the training, in the preparation and you can just see it in the body language.

“They want to do well in every competition but there is a special feeling about this for obvious reasons.”

Eddie Howe on Dan Burn and Will Osula recovering from injury:

“Dan is making really good progress.

“The journey back he’s had, he’s pretty much stuck to the timelines we expected, but he wont make tomorrow, it’s too early.

“Same with Will Osula, this was their first day with the team but hopefully they are not too far away.”

Eddie Howe on aiming for a top eight finish and automatic progress:

“It is a massive incentive because it means less games in a season that we’ve been stretched physically and mentally.

“The priority though  is to qualify however we do that and we are striving every game to maximise what we can deliver.

“The Marseille game still hurts us a bit because we were in a strong position in that game.

“We have got two games left and we have to commit to every game and try to win every game and see where it takes us.”

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United’s form:

“I think since the [November] international break, from the Manchester City game, I have seen an upturn in performances generally.

“We have been much more consistent.

“In that [November] break we did a lot of work, probably the only time we’ve been able to train in recent months.

“It’s not been perfect, there has been the odd game where we haven’t performed to the level we want to, but generally much better. Much more like ourselves, scoring goals again.

“The challenge for us is to maintain that.”

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman:

“It has been a tough few months for him, difficult injury problems and setbacks.

“He has had to show real strength of character because he always wants to play and help the team. He’s got great qualities and I think we really, really missed him.

“It took a long time to adjust to being without him.

“To get him back is a massive lift and I think we’re seeing the early signs of him returning to his best levels and hopefully that can stay the same for many years to come.”