Newcastle manager Eddie Howe played down his Carabao Cup ambitions after his side reached the semi-finals, insisting that “we just have to focus on the football”.
Newcastle, runners-up in 2023, secured their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Brentford thanks to a Sandro Tonali brace and a goal from Fabien Schar at St James' Park on Wednesday night.
Yoan Wisa reduced the deficit for the visitors in stoppage time in the second half, but that was nothing more than a consolation as the strong Newcastle team advanced.
Winger Anthony Gordon said in the lead-up to the match that he believed the Magpies could go on to win the cup and end their 70-year domestic cup drought.
Newcastle qualifies for the Carabao Cup semi-finals! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VSCKsKWn64
– Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
This sentiment was echoed by Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who kindly said he hoped Newcastle would lift the trophy after the match.
“I think they can win it. We have Liverpool and Arsenal (in the semi-finals) – we need change. It will mean more for the Newcastle fans too,” Frank said.
Howe has largely deflected Frank's praise, choosing instead to focus on the upcoming games.
“That's nice from Thomas but we just have to focus on the football,” Howe said.
“We have some big games in the Premier League, so we have to focus on those. In the blink of an eye we will be at Portman Road (against Ipswich on Saturday) and we have to be ready for that game now.
However, the Newcastle boss reserved some kind words for Tonali, whose first-half brace set Howe's side on course for victory.
That technology. 😮💨🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/eZUrjxIKF6
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 18, 2024
“It was great to see Sandro score the two goals he scored,” Howe added.
“We are starting to see the best from him. The adjustment in his position has definitely helped him, he feels more comfortable when he is deep in the field.
“He shows all the qualities we knew when we signed him. It's just a matter of finding the right balance for him and the team.”
