A year ago
The Magpies qualified for the Champions League with a 0-0 draw against Leicester.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, has said that before the start of the new Premier League season, he had not even considered qualifying for the Champions League.
With a 0-0 draw against Leicester on Monday night, the Magpies completed a miraculous comeback, securing a top-four finish and their first trip back to the big stage since the 200203 campaign.
They were in grave danger of relegation when Howe took over in November 2021, but they will now compete with the best teams on the continent next year.
Howe said with joy, "This wasn't in our goals at that time. From where we were, we had admirably avoided relegation.
"We were hoping to get better, avoid trouble, and develop the team to the point where we might be able to compete for Europe in a couple of seasons, but we've raced ahead of schedule.
Big problems lie ahead because of that, but you have to seize the chance when it presents itself when you're in this situation.
Since displacing Mike Ashley, the club's Saudi-backed owners have invested more than 250 million in the team, but they have seen an earlier return on their investment.
Newcastle made it to the Carabao Cup final in February but lost to Manchester United at Wembley. Nevertheless, they were determined to earn a seat at the top table in Europe.
"The challenge is there is no trophy," stated Howe. In light of how far we've come in such a short period of time, it's a tremendous accomplishment.
"However, it seems challenging to celebrate it as if you've won a league or something like. Of course it's there, right there. It's a remarkable event at a unique club.
Howe replied with a smile when asked how he would celebrate: "I don't know how I'll celebrate. I'll observe first. I certainly hope not while having tea and a biscuit.
When the final whistle blew, St James' Park was hopping, and Howe, his staff, and the players ran a lap of honor, but the atmosphere inside the Leicester camp was quite different.
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