Bruno Guimaraes sets European target for rest of Newcastle's season

The Magpies’ final opportunity to win silverware disappeared on Saturday when they lost 2-0 at Manchester City to crash out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.

A repeat of last season’s top-four finish is all-but-impossible given the 16-point gap currently separating them from fourth-placed Aston Villa, but qualification for either the Europa League or Conference League remains possible.

• SUBSCRIBE to The Northern Echo - read the paper on our brand-new app, access premium website content, remove adverts and join our exclusive members-only rewards club

A top-seven finish will guarantee European football next season, while an eighth-placed finish might also be good enough depending on how many English clubs are eligible for the Champions League and who wins the FA Cup.

Guimaraes will spend the next fortnight on international duty with a Brazilian side that are preparing to face England at Wembley as part of a friendly double-header, but when he returns to Tyneside, he will be fully-focused on trying to secure European football for the second season in a row.

“It's been a very difficult season for us, but when we're back from the break, there are ten games ahead and the target is at least to get the club to play in Europe once again,” said the Magpies midfielder.

READ MORE:

• Pep Guardiola backs Newcastle - but the gulf to Manchester City is vast and widening
• Eddie Howe's 'absolute nonsense' comment after Newcastle's FA Cup exit at Man City
• Tino Livramento injury update - and prospects of being available to face West Ham

“We have to look ahead to the next game and deliver. We have two games at home now (against West Ham and Everton), and we have to try as much as possible to get some wins. I ask the fans to support us as always, because we are going to give our best for Europe.”

Guimaraes felt Newcastle were unfortunate to lose to two deflected strikes at the Etihad at the weekend, although he also conceded his side did not do enough to threaten a Manchester City side who will now take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.

“Against City is always very difficult, and this season has also been difficult for us,” admitted the Brazilian. “We have been conceding goals that we didn't use to last season.

“It was a bit of bad luck with the two deflections. We had some chances and we should've scored, and against City, if you don't score, it gets really complicated. These guys are lethal and killed the game.

“I will focus on the internationals now (with Brazil taking on England at Wembley on March 23 before heading to Madrid to face Spain on March 26), but then I will come back as strong as possible.”