Howe is dashing Newcastle’s Carabao Cup hopes after reaching the last four

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has played down his Carabao Cup ambitions after his side reached the bottom four, insisting “we just have to focus on the football”.

Newcastle, runners-up in the 2023 competition, booked their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Brentford thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.

Yoane Wissa pulled one back for the visitors in second-half stoppage time, but it proved to be little more than a consolation as a strong Newcastle side progressed.

Winger Anthony Gordon said during the build-up that he believed the Magpies could win the cup and end a 70-year domestic trophy drought.

Newcastle advances to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VSCKsKWn64

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024

And that opinion was echoed by Brentford coach Thomas Frank, who politely said that he hoped Newcastle would lift the trophy after the game.

“I think I can win. We have Liverpool, Arsenal (in the semi-finals) – we need a change. It would mean more to the Newcastle fans as well,” said Frank.

Howe largely shrugged off Frank’s praise, choosing instead to focus on the games ahead.

“Nice from Thomas, but we just have to focus on football,” Howe said.

“We have a couple of big Premier League games in between so we have to focus on those. In the blink of an eye we’ll be at Portman Road (against Ipswich on Saturday) and now we have to be ready for that game.”

The Newcastle manager did, however, save a few kind words for Tonali, whose two first-half goals set Howe’s side on course for victory.

That technique. 😮‍💨🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/eZUrjxIKF6

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 18, 2024

“It was great to see Sandro score two goals,” added Howe.

“We’re starting to see the best of him. The change in position definitely helped him, he is much more comfortable when he is deeper on the field.

“He shows all the qualities we knew when we signed him. It’s just about finding the right balance for him and the team.”