‘Bring it on’ – Newcastle United send fearless warning to Chelsea and FC Barcelona Jacob Murphy did not hesitate for a second.
Magpies brimming with belief after dominant aggregate win sets up heavyweight last-16 clash
- Newcastle storm into the last 16 with a commanding 9-3 aggregate victory.
- Jacob Murphy sends defiant message: “Bring on anyone.”
- Eddie Howe backs his side to “compete with anybody” as belief surges at St James’ Park.
Jacob Murphy did not hesitate for a second.
Moments after Newcastle United sealed a thrilling 3-2 win over Qarabag FK at St James’ Park — completing a crushing 9-3 aggregate victory — the winger was asked who he wanted next in the Champions League last 16.
His answer was immediate.
“Anyone.”
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Murphy made it clear there are no preferences inside the Newcastle dressing room.
“Honestly, with this group of players, we’ll take anyone on,” he said. “In knockout football, we believe in ourselves. Bring on whoever it is.”
It is a confidence echoed by head coach Eddie Howe.
Reaching the next round was the club’s initial objective, but Howe has no intention of seeing their European adventure stall here. He insists his side are capable of elevating their level against any opponent.
“We have to believe in ourselves,” he said. “When we’ve approached cup ties and one-off games, we’ve shown the best version of who we are. We’ve risen to every challenge in front of us.
“We’ll need that same mindset again, no matter who we face next.”
Embracing the spotlight
Newcastle are relishing their return to Europe’s elite competition.
Howe’s men are currently the Champions League’s leading scorers with 26 goals and have recorded six wins in a single campaign for the first time in the club’s history.
The mood shift has been dramatic over the past fortnight.
Earlier this month, Howe openly admitted he was not performing “well enough” after a section of supporters booed the team off following a 3-2 Premier League defeat to Brentford at St James’ Park.
The criticism sparked reflection from the manager, while the squad responded with renewed determination — united in their desire to fight for their head coach.
Now, with momentum building and belief surging, Newcastle head into the last 16 with a simple message for Europe’s heavyweights:
They fear no one.
