Newcastle United are so very close to securing Champions League football. Many would say that's what they deserve. In fact, a host of ex-pros, supporters and current Premier League managers have said just that.
Take Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi for starters. Moments after watching his plucky, Champions League-chasing outfit ruled out of the race for the top four, he was quick to give Newcastle the praise they deserve after a historic campaign. “Newcastle deserve to qualify for the Champions League,” he said in the depths of St James' Park.
“They won against Manchester United 2-0. I watched the game and they deserved to win. In the first-half against Arsenal they were unlucky because they deserved to score the first goal. They are a very strong team.”
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Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City juggernaut are inches away from yet another Premier League title but even the Spaniard was quick to pile the praise in Newcastle's direction on Friday afternoon. Guardiola has often waxed lyrical over the job Eddie Howe has done this term and repeated that this week.
After being asked about how sweet this particular title will feel, the Etihad boss pointed to the fact the top six clubs have made the league much harder this term, replying: "Newcastle are one game away from the Champions League, I saw them against Brighton, to see how good they played. Newcastle deserve to be there."
However, Jurgen Klopp gave a somewhat different answer entirely when quizzed on the race for the top four on Friday. The Reds must avoid defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday or his side will be unable to leapfrog the Magpies.
Asked about holding out any hope for a late surge into the Champions League places, Klopp dismissed such feelings and hinted if Newcastle drop into the Europa League after being leapfrogged by Liverpool, they will have deserved such an outcome to the season.
"I know we have to win all the games, and there's maybe a chance," Klopp said. "I watched the game last night but wasn't disappointed when Newcastle scored. The only time I was like that was when Vincent Kompany scored! Whatever Newcastle get, they deserve."
Howe wants to see his side get over the line before discussing the prospect of a huge European campaign next season - but the Newcastle boss doesn't care if that confirmation comes this weekend, Monday or on the final day of the campaign.
“Yeah [we are close], but it is still so far away. We will enjoy tonight, but then turn our focus towards Leicester," Howe said after the Brighton win.
“I think we were just pleased with the performance tonight. To beat a side of their quality. We are not looking too far ahead.”
