Newcastle: Howe will not talk about the Champions League and will not get upset

And while players may be talking about the competition the Magpies are expected to play in next season, it’s still not discussed in staff-squad meetings.

Newcastle will qualify for the Champions League if Liverpool lose to Aston Villa on Saturday, but even if Jurgen Klopp’s side get their job done, the Magpies can unify with a win over ailing Leicester at St James’ Park on Monday night Secure a place in the top four.

Howe showed how much the 4-1 win over Brighton means to him as he emotionally celebrated the final goal in added time – but he still couldn’t allow himself to be happy about what his side are about to achieve, said he.

“Honestly, I’m not excited,” he said.

“I’m very proud of tonight’s performance. I’ll go home and watch the game and I hope I’ll be really proud of what I see and really excited by the players who are giving our fans a brilliant product to behold.” .

“There’s not really excitement in this job because you know it’s just another game and another challenge and it’s not going to stop even if we reach our goal. There’s just going to be another challenge, and it’s going to hit us in the face next season.”

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But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate what this season’s success means for Newcastle fans.

He said: “It means everything to be where we are and play like we are. It means everything to play in that atmosphere and on this occasion tonight, but it only feels good when you perform like we do and execute.” We had to get every detail right to be a very good Brighton team to be.

“The scenes tonight, just seeing people so happy and celebrating, feeling the togetherness and connection with the fans means everything. I’m not downplaying the emotions of the fans, I’m just downplaying my role and that of the team because we still have more work to do.”

Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier knows the Champions League well, having reached the final with Tottenham, but if the defender is speaking to his team-mates about the prospect of playing in the competition, it’s not when Howe is there.

“He could have made it without my presence,” said the head coach.

“We have tried not to talk about outcomes in open meetings with each other, as outcomes can change the thought process. So we’ve been very focused on the details, the training, the game plan and what we need to do to win.” Talking like that was out of my earshot.”