Boosted with an injection of money from Saudi Arabia, Newcastle preferred to follow a more methodical plan to climb to the top of European football.
The club has encountered several obstacles by insisting on its conservative strategy.
There is no doubt that qualifying for the Champions League was ahead of the deadlines planned by Newcastle and coach Eddie Howe, having to deal earlier than expected with the requirement of playing in the top club tournament in Europe, and at the same time compete in the Premier League.
With a squad that already had limitations to begin with and that was later decimated by injuries, Newcastle is dragging itself when facing a calendar that does not give respite. They have fallen back to seventh place in the domestic tournament after successive defeats last week. And this Wednesday they risk being eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League.
Newcastle hosts AC Milan. Both clubs go into the final round with five points, two behind second-placed Paris Saint-Germain and five behind Borussia Dortmund, who had already qualified. The Magpies need to win at St. James’ Park and for PSG to draw or lose to Dortmund in Germany to advance to the round of 16.
A defeat would leave Newcastle out of Europe completely, not even remaining in the Europa League playoffs due to being third in the group.
So it’s a hugely important night for the northeastern English club and its Saudi owners — the Public Investment Fund — following the club’s £300 million (then $409 million) purchase in 2021, which sparked accusations of money laundering. sporting image in the face of criticism of the reign for its record on human rights.
Saying goodbye to the Champions League early would be a wrong step for a team that wants to make its way into the elite.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise either.
After all, Newcastle finished in the strongest group, with three rivals with a history, so each match was a very important event for a club that had been absent from the tournament for 20 years.
And to this add a voluminous list of casualties. Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, Nick Pope and Elliot Anderson are among those who have either been through the infirmary or are currently ruled out with injuries. And Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, signed in the summer, received a 10-month suspension in October for breaking betting regulations.
Against Tottenham on Sunday, Newcastle went out with the same group of 10 outfield players for the fifth game in a row and the fatigue was evident as they succumbed 4-1.
“Physically we are exhausted,” Howe said. “There wasn’t much that could be done.”
“We don’t have many alternatives,” he added.
With the wealth at their disposal, they should have them.
Following the purchase in 2021, there was talk of an era of “galacticos” in Newcastle. Kylian Mbappe? Erling Haaland? Neymar?
When Manchester City was acquired by Abu Dhabi in 2008, their first signing was an impactful one: Robinho, a skilled Brazilian winger.
Newcastle’s first in the Saudi era? Kieran Tripper, an efficient English right back.
Newcastle’s transfers have been marked by caution rather than media hits. The new owners have preferred to stick to financial restrictions and not deviate from their project of being careful. They try to operate like a normal club when in reality it stopped being one.
Newcastle, as part of the club-states, will remain a relevant player in England and Europe for many years — but perhaps not this year given the situation in which it finds itself.
Being knocked out before the last 16 could have adverse consequences, potentially preventing England from having five representatives — instead of the current four — when the Champions League expands to 36 teams next season. The additional places will be awarded to the two countries that have the best collective result in the three European Cups this season. If Newcastle and Manchester United fall early, English football will suffer.
2023-12-12 17:02:59
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