Newcastle United now has their eyes on Paris Saint-Germain after their 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday. The Magpies know that the player they’ll need to stop is Kylian Mbappé if they want to secure a win.
Ahead of the first home UEFA Champions League match in 20 years, manager Eddie Howe spoke about the game plan for the Premier League club to stop the 24-year-old winger.
“I certainly hope we’re not laying out any mats for anybody,” Howe said (h/t Planet Sport). “We’re determined to try to do well, and one thing I’m absolutely certain about is the atmosphere will be as good as I’ve ever experienced here. I know the supporters will get behind us and then whatever we do from there will depend on what happens afterwards.
“But we’re really looking forward to it. We’re looking forward to the challenge that it will bring. I’ve already started my preparation for the game. It’s going to be an extreme test, but one that we can’t wait for.”
PSG is coming off a disappointing 0-0 result against Clermont Foot on Saturday. With the opposition battling relegation, the capital club should have secured all three points rather than settling for a draw.
Nonetheless, the French side did come off a loss to OGC Nice when heading into their match against Borussia Dortmund, which they won.
If they get a victory over Newcastle, it puts PSG in the driver’s seat in the Group of Death with six points. Additionally, it would give them a clear path to qualify for the knockout stages.