“Our squad is arguably stronger” says Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe | OneFootball

Eddie Howe believes his Newcastle United squad is “arguably stronger” than the group that reached the Champions League two years ago, even in the absence of Alexander Isak.

The Magpies begin their campaign on Thursday against five-time European champions Barcelona, a daunting opening fixture that arrives with both expectation and uncertainty. Isak’s summer departure deprived Howe of his most clinical forward, but the late signing of German striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart provides a new focal point in attack.

Newcastle also invested heavily elsewhere, with almost £200m spent on four further recruits designed to bolster a squad previously criticised for lacking depth. Howe suggested those additions, coupled with the experience of their last European adventure, leave the Magpies better equipped this time.

“The squad is arguably stronger,” Howe said, reported by Sky Sports. “You can debate it either way, but I back the quality we have. The early games are vital in setting the tone.”

Group fixtures against Athletic Club, Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen follow, and Howe was clear that consistency, rather than glamour, will define their European return.

“The iconic games are great, but results matter more,” he added. “There will be times we don’t play well, but we must still find ways to take something from those matches.”

With momentum restored by Saturday’s league victory, Newcastle head into the clash with Barcelona brimming with cautious optimism.

GFN | Finn Entwistle