This time next week we’ll all be picking the bones out of Newcastle United’s first Champions League game in 20 years and former striker Shola Ameobi is looking forward to the challenge.
Now the Newcastle loan manager, Shola Ameobi was part of the last Newcastle side to challenge in the Champions League under Sir Bobby Robson, scoring against Barcelona and cementing his place in Newcastle history.
With Newcastle facing off against AC Milan on Tuesday night, Ameobi has shared his thoughts on how he feels the Magpie will get on this season in an interview with The Chronicle.
Shola Ameobi says the St James’ Park atmosphere is an advantage
“It’s going to be tough being in the Champions League again,” said Shola. “But our home crowd – to see that energy – there won’t be one team when they play in that, to not feel nervous. That’s going to be a huge part of the advantage we have this season. Certainly in the Champions League.”
Newcastle were drawn in the “group of death” for the Champions League along with AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. It was possibly the hardest group Newcastle could have been placed in considering all the rules on who can go into which group.
It’s exciting for fans, though as after a 20 year absence, the Magpies are guaranteed to experience the atmosphere at three of Europe’s top sides regardless of whether they progress beyond the group stage.
Each set of fans is going to bring something special to SJP
Each team in the group boasts a fanatical support which is going to make each fixture special, but as Ameobi has said, the atmosphere that the Toon Army will generate at St James’ Park will strike fear into any side from any country, which will give the team a huge boost on the night.
The St James’ Park atmosphere is already well renowned but Wor Flags have put out the call for more support to make the Champions League nights even more special.
I can’t wait to see what they do and how the European nights are going to look under the lights at St James’ Park.
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