Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on League Cup final defeat: There is a long way to go to be the team we want to be
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said that there is a long way to go for the team after it lost the League Cup final to Manchester United 0-2 on Sunday (February 26).
Newcastle lost the League Cup final to Manchester United 0-2. (AP Photo)
By India Today Sports Desk: Newcastle’s wait to end a near 70-year domestic trophy drought continued after it lost the League Cup final to Manchester United.
Newcastle went down against Manchester United 0-2 at Wembley stadium on Sunday (February 26).
Since winning the FA Cup 68 years ago, the Magpies have thrice finished as runners-up in the competition. While Newcastle are heading in the right direction, their manager Eddie Howe stated that they still have a long way to go.
“It is a process, we want to be here on a regular basis. There is a long way to go to be the team we want to be,” Howe said after a disappointing final.
“We can be proud of our performance but we were not clinical enough. As much as we didn’t want the final to be a distraction it has been. The players gave everything.”
Casemiro’s header opened the scoring for United in the 33rd minute before Sven Botman’s own-goal made it 2-0 in the 39th minute. Howe further said that he will take the positives from the loss.
“It hurts immensely,” said Howe. “It feels like you have failed. A negative sea of emotions hit you but, with defeat, sometimes you can take positives.
“Nothing is guaranteed. I hope we are a different Newcastle, but the competition is very high so we have to improve. We can’t stand still and think we are something. We have to prove we are – and we have to go again.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said that his team is on a good pathway and going in the right direction. “Winning a trophy shows that its worth to suffer and sacrifice to give every day your best,” ten Hag said. “If you want to prove something you have to win something.”
