‘I’m excited’: Shaka Hislop gives his verdict on Newcastle’s Champions League expectations

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Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has encouraged fans to be excited about being back in the Champions League after a lengthy absence.

Newcastle are in the mix for today’s group stage draw for the first time in over 20 years, but being a pot four team means that they face a potentially tough run to the knockout stages.

However, Hislop, who made two Champions League appearances for Newcastle in the 1997-98 season, has stated on ESPN that whilst the pressure and expectations on the team should not be too high, Eddie Howe has a team capable of competing amongst Europe’s elite.

“Worried is not the adjective I’d use at all. I’m excited for it. I think coming in as this being the first season back in the Champions League, since God alone knows how long, I don’t think there’s an awful lot of expectation, so you enjoy it,” he stated.

“I think the Geordies want to see the big, big clubs come to St. James’s Park, so worried is not the right term at all. I think in two or three years. If Newcastle continue making the Champions League then that expectation goes up.

“I think Newcastle have the makings of a very good team. This last couple of results against Man City and Liverpool have been disappointing, but I think they learn from that, and truth be told, they’ve got a very good goalkeeper, last season shows that they’ve got a very good defence.

“I think they’ve got a very good midfield which they’ve added to, and Isak if he stays fit, I think they’ve got a good attack as well. So I think Newcastle can surprise quite a few in the Champions League if everybody stays fit.”

Managing expectations

Newcastle will have a clearer idea of what to expect in the Champions League after the draw is made, but given the calibre of teams they can draw, progressing past the group stages may be a considerable achievement in itself.

This current squad has a lot of quality, but as a whole is very inexperienced in the competition, and this may become evident if Newcastle draw European veterans such as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the groups.

Whilst Newcastle have the quality to beat a lot of sides they may potentially face, experience and game management plays a huge role on big European nights, and it remains to be seen how well the squad will cope with the pressure, and excitement, of competing amongst the very best.