Eddie Howe has informed Newcastle that in order to improve their appalling record against Liverpool, they must be “near perfect.”
The Magpies will take on Jurgen Klopp’s team at Anfield on Monday night having lost their last five home and away games against them and without winning there in the Premier League since April 1994, when Rob Lee and Andy Cole scored the goals.
Last season, Newcastle nearly ended that streak when Alexander Isak scored his debut goal with 29 minutes left. However, Roberto Firmino’s equalizer allowed replacement Fabio Carvalho to give Liverpool the victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
Darwin Nunez’s late double in August denied the team victory over the Reds at St. James’ Park as well. Head coach Howe commented, “There have been a couple of painful games against Liverpool, for sure.”
“We had a very difficult game at Anfield last season. It wasn’t much easier this season. The wonderful thing about both of those games was that we played excellently, were fiercely competitive, and gave Liverpool a great game.
“In this game, we need to be almost flawless for us. For us, this is an extremely difficult game. They are a really good squad that has been playing exceptionally well, especially at home. Our task is to resurrect our best performance and must have a strong mental foundation.
Recent events have caused tension between the two benches since Klopp, who had been dissatisfied with Newcastle’s handling of the game, was not less impressed with Nunez’s valiant efforts on Tyneside than he was with Carvalho’s dramatic last-minute triumph.
Newcastle United FC manager Eddie Howe (L) and Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp (L) prior to the FA Premier League match between the two teams at St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, February 18, 2023.
But four days after the Magpies’ exhausting Champions League tie at Paris St. Germain, the German was effusive in his admiration for the team, emphasizing that the only competition is on the field. Howe, the Magpies’ opposite, concurs.
“I don’t think it’s me against Jurgen Klopp; we have to look at this game as Liverpool against Newcastle,” he stated.
“As I previously stated, we need to be extremely proficient in every facet of our game since they will identify any weaknesses in your setup or structure. They have talented athletes.
“Visiting Anfield is always a terrific experience, and playing there is always an amazing experience. We had some difficult things to learn last year. I hope this time we can make good use of that experience.
