Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton sees no reason why Eddie Howe's side can't compete for European football this season. After the turn of the year, the Magpies' form was similar to the sides that finished in the top seven.
There's hope among the Newcastle fanbase that Howe's side will be able to pick up where they left off. The Toon finished just seven points behind West Ham in the Europa Conference League spot last term - a remarkable feat given the Magpies did not win a game until December.
Premier League survival was the main objective for Newcastle last season but this year is very much a blank canvas. The summer transfer window and the recent arrivals has only heightened belief on Tyneside this summer.
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Speaking to FourFourTwo, Joelinton said: "We have to take things step by step, but that said, we're aware of the expectations and pressure on us. Newcastle are a big club with passionate supporters, and I believe we can challenge for European football this season.
"It might be hard to qualify for the Champions League just yet, but why not? We want to at least compete for a Europa League spot.
"We showed our potential to test teams at the top of the table and had a very good second half of the campaign, so let's try to keep that momentum and improve even more. That's what I want."
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