There was an interesting discussion in the Newcastle press room this week regarding what should come first for the club: winning the Carabao Cup or securing a coveted Champions League place. The consensus? A club with Newcastle’s ambitions should aim for both.
Financially, the Champions League undoubtedly eclipses the Carabao Cup. A generous bonus of over a million pounds would reward players if they win the cup, far surpassing the EFL’s £100,000 prize money. However, the allure of trophies transcends numbers. After a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy, victory would bring a fortune in its own right.
Which is precisely why manager Eddie Howe plans to field his strongest team for Tuesday’s semi-final first leg against Arsenal. The same commitment was evident in the previous round against Brentford, despite the festive fixtures ahead. Every star who has committed to the club over the past eighteen months has expressed a sincere desire to be part of something transformative: a team that finally brings home a trophy. This desire fuels their motivation.
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Clubs are reaching a point where they crave validation through tangible success, not a mere reflection in a mirror. Newcastle United, who have long looked into this mirror, have suffered from a long period of mediocrity.
Since the arrival of Saudi ownership in 2021, hopes have risen, but real change will only come when the trophies follow. The club’s long trophy drought remains a bitter reminder, living in the vestiges of past failures.
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Newcastle find themselves at a crossroads, having to decide whether to fully commit to the Carabao Cup or pursue Champions League qualification. Howe’s intention to unleash his best team against Arsenal speaks volumes.
Star players like Alexander Isak, in great form this season, are crucial, as the club’s aspirations are clear: the wait for a major trophy, which now stretches to an incredible 70 years, must finally end.
As a new era is being built, the weight of an empty trophy cabinet is difficult to bear. Unless this cabinet starts to fill up, the stardust above St James’ Park will remain elusive. Echoes of past humiliations still resonate, with painful memories like the 5-0 drubbing inflicted by Manchester United and inglorious eliminations from prestigious tournaments. Supporters are impatiently calling for change.
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-As True Faith Podcast host Alex Hurst put it, “Winning the League Cup would represent an important step in Newcastle’s return to successful club status. » The past 70 years, marked by a lack of accolades, stand as a stark reminder that something has certainly gone wrong in the fabric of the club. Winning a trophy could ease a lingering burden on supporters’ shoulders.
But will this success help retain stars like Isak, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes amid transfer rumours? Winning the cup can help, but Champions League football is crucial to cementing their commitment.
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Think of it as a culinary meal: Champions League football is the main course, while a cup victory serves as dessert. Winning a trophy without qualifying for the Champions League could give a sense of ‘job done’, potentially prompting players to seek greener pastures.
Newcastle aspire to both of these achievements. Winning both would put an end to debates over priorities, as would the club’s long void of trophies. This would herald a new chapter, reshaping both internal dynamics and external perceptions.
So how does Howe plan to face the challenge against Arsenal? On the heels of six consecutive victories, Newcastle have embraced a new identity characterized by control and sharp finishing. Howe is focused on 90 minutes of intense competition, rather than seeing it as a two-set clash. “I believe we play at our best when we stay organic in our approach and avoid overthinking,” he said during a press meet. “Football is simply 90 minutes of commitment. »
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Newcastle have rediscovered a trickier side to their game, which has annoyed rivals like Arsenal. Since the Saudi takeover, the club have reversed past woes, winning three in their last six meetings with the Gunners.
“Our intention is to win, and that motivates us,” said the Newcastle boss, whose side currently sit fifth in the Premier League. “I don’t worry about public perception; what matters is that we stay true to ourselves. »
Every Newcastle supporter is desperate to achieve tangible success. The focus is firmly on winning a trophy, leaving no room for debates about the meaning of a cup or Champions League qualification.
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