Howe plays host to Newcastle’s Carabao Cup hopes after reaching the last four

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that sentiment was echoed by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who graciously said he hoped Newcastle would lift the trophy after the match.

“I think they can win it. 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 next game.

“That’s nice of Thomas but we just have to focus on football,” said Howe.

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

The Newcastle manager, however, saved some kind words of his own for Tonali, whose two first-half strikes 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 the two he did,” added Howe.

“We are starting to see the best of him. The tweak in the position has definitely helped, he is much more comfortable when he is deeper in the field.

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