Eddie Howe is desperately hoping his side can “achieve something special” and claim Newcastle’s first major title in 69 years in the EFL Cup this season.
The Magpies have not won a domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup but go into tomorrow night’s quarter-final against Brentford as favorites for a place in the last four.
Howe said: “That’s what we’re here for. When I came to Newcastle I made it very clear that this is what I wanted to achieve. I speak on behalf of the players and coaching staff in this regard.
“When you get to this part of the competition it is important to realize that this is our goal and what we want to achieve. These games are of great importance as you approach the final stages.
“We want to be the team that gets over the finish line and achieves something special. As the competition progresses, these rounds are very demanding and we don’t take anything for granted.”
Eddie Howe previously spoke to the media #NEWBRE tomorrow in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals 🗣️
You can watch today’s press conference live on the official Newcastle United app 📲 pic.twitter.com/CnMcZI3JvY
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 17, 2024
Beaten by Bees in last meeting
Newcastle faced Brentford in the Premier League earlier this month, losing 4-2 in northwest London, but bounced back with a comfortable 4-0 win over Leicester City at the weekend.
Howe said: “It’s an interesting game to look back on for a number of reasons. Brentford went to Chelsea and played a different system, but they didn’t stray too far from their principles.
“Ultimately, if you look back at the game, we weren’t where we needed to be, especially in the defensive aspect of our game, which was strange for us given Liverpool’s performance. It was nice that we got back to our best defense against Leicester. I think that will be the most important thing for us because we rely on scoring goals.”
Given their desperation to end their trophy drought, Newcastle are likely to come in with a strong side tomorrow night.
“Every game is a cup final,” Howe said. “When you manage Newcastle you can’t afford to lose a game and certainly every team I pick takes that view – I always believe this team can win and I definitely will tomorrow attempt.” “
