It’ll be harder for us next season – Howe

EDDIE Howe knows the Premier League big guns will be back with a vengeance next season after Newcastle United muscled into the top four in 2022/23.

Howe’s side finished the season on 71 points and was four points ahead of Liverpool, nine points ahead of Brighton and 11 points ahead of Tottenham.

There was also a huge gulf between Newcastle and Chelsea, who were 27 points behind the Magpies.

However, next season the likes of Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea will be looking to prove a point. It is something not lost on Howe and his backroom team, although they will be equipped with not only a transfer kitty but also around £38m in prize money for finishing fourth.

Howe, whose team held Chelsea 1-1 in the final game of the season, said he wants his players to be able to grapple with the big guns again, saying: “We’ve done that all season.

“We’ve been hugely competitive, we haven’t been an easy game for anybody. “The challenge for us next year is to maintain our standards and mentality because when you come to these tough grounds and are not robust enough to deal with the challenge, these can be really difficult games.” Chelsea have already got to work for next season in appointing Mauricio Pochettino as boss but Howe felt Newcastle should have beaten the Blues in Frank Lampard’s last match.

Howe added: “We’re a little bit disappointed with the second-half performance to be honest, but I don’t want to criticise the players for what they’ve given me this year.

“That’s no way going to be my message to them.

“My message is thank you for everything you’ve given but while recognising next season is going to be even harder for us.

“The players need to enjoy their break and come back fit, ready and focused for what is an amazing season ahead.”