admin‘I’m telling you’: Ally McCoist makes big case for Newcastle United going into Champions League quarter-final
Newcastle United have booked their place in the Champions League round of 16 after eliminating Qarabag FK in the play-off — and a blockbuster clash now awaits.
The Magpies will be drawn against either Chelsea FC or FC Barcelona, with Friday’s draw set to determine whether they head to Spain or face the prospect of meeting Chelsea three times in the space of a week.
There are no straightforward ties at this stage of the UEFA Champions League, and the intensity is only increasing. Even so, belief is growing that Newcastle could spring a surprise in the latter rounds.
Eddie Howe struck a confident note in his post-match press conference, while journalist Craig Hope has suggested the Magpies would be capable of overcoming Barcelona across two legs. Former striker and pundit Ally McCoist agrees.
Speaking on talkSPORT alongside Alan Brazil, McCoist insisted that Europe’s elite would not relish a trip to St James’ Park.
“I’m telling you, you wouldn’t fancy going up there — I don’t care who you are. Barcelona, Chelsea, it makes no difference. Nobody looks forward to that,” he said.
Whoever Newcastle draw, the first leg at home could prove decisive. Taking a lead into the return fixture would allow them to manage proceedings away from Tyneside and put real pressure on their opponents.
The same talkSPORT segment also saw McCoist and Brazil challenge Jason Cundy over his take on Anthony Gordon. Cundy argued that Gordon is not an elite-level player, yet simultaneously tipped him to thrive for England as one of the favourites for the World Cup — a stance that appeared contradictory.
His argument centred on comparing Gordon’s valuation to that of Bukayo Saka, but the logic failed to convince his fellow pundits, who were quick to call him out.
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