EDDIE HOWE declared Newcastle’s Champions League clash against Barcelona as “the biggest in the club’s history”.
Tyneside boss Howe upped the ante on the eve of Tuesday’s last-16 first leg.
The Toon were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City on Saturday.
But Howe said: “It’s easy to be negative at the moment. I understand we’ve gone out of the FA Cup but we have the biggest game in the club’s history coming up and we’ve got to approach it that way.
“We’ve never been in this position in the Champions League before and it’s the best competition there is.
“We have got to get the players ready for that and we’ve no time to dwell on this.”
Newcastle have not had a free week since November and an overstretched squad is feeling the effects of an arduous schedule.
Their form has been patchy and Howe knows his side will have to produce something very special to beat Barcelona over two legs – with the Spaniards preparing for the first leg by staying in a ‘Harry Potter’ hotel.
He added: “We need to try and find some energy from somewhere that will elevate our performance to a level we’ve not seen this season. That’s the only way we’ll get through.”
LaLiga leaders Barca came from behind to beat Newcastle in the league phase back in September thanks to a second-half Marcus Rashford double.
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They head to St James’ Park in excellent form having won four games on the bounce in all comps.
Hansi Flick’s side beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 on Saturday courtesy of Lamine Yamal’s stunner to regain their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top.
But the Catalan giants’ last game in England was a nightmare after they lost 3-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and had Ronald Araujo sent off in the first half.
Young midfielder Gavi, 21, has travelled with the squad — despite not playing since suffering a knee injury in August.
