Howe hoping Magpies can take step closer to ending long trophy drought

Eddie Howe is desperately hoping his side can “achieve something special” and claim Newcastle’s first piece of major silverware 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 quarterfinal clash with Brentford as favourites to secure a place in the last four.

Howe said: “It’s what we’re here for. I made it very clear when I came to Newcastle that it’s what I wanted to achieve. I speak on behalf of the players and coaching staff in that respect. 

“When you get to this part of the competition it’s important to recognise that that’s our goal and what we’re trying to do. These games take huge importance when you get towards the latter stages.

“We want to be the team that can get over the line and achieve something special. As you go through the competition, these rounds are very challenging and nothing will be taken for granted from our side.”

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media ahead of #NEWBRE in the Carabao Cup quarter-final tomorrow 🗣️

You can watch today’s press conference as live on the Official Newcastle United App 📲 pic.twitter.com/CnMcZI3JvY

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 17, 2024

Battered by Bees in last meeting

Newcastle faced Brentford in the Premier League at the beginning of the month, losing 4-2 in north-west London but bounced back at the weekend with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Leicester City.

Howe said: “It’s an interesting game to look back on for various things. Brentford went to Chelsea and played a different system but they don’t deviate too far from their principles. 

“Ultimately when you look back at the game we weren’t where we needed to be in the defensive aspect of our game mainly which was a strange one for us on the back of the Liverpool performance. It was good to see us back to our defensive best against Leicester, I think that will be the big thing for us because we back ourselves to score goals.”

Given their desperation to end the trophy drought, Newcastle will likely go with a strong team tomorrow night.

“Every game is a cup final,” said Howe. “When you’re managing Newcastle, you can’t afford to lose any game and certainly any team I pick is with that view – it’s always with the view that I think this team can win and I will certainly try and do that tomorrow.”