'Absolute nonsense' - Eddie Howe hits back at Newcastle United claim after Man City FA Cup loss

Eddie Howe has fired back at suggestions Newcastle United's 2023-24 season is over after his side's FA Cup quarter-final exit.

The Magpies lost 2-0 to Manchester City following a first-half double from Bernardo Silva. It meant United missed out on reaching their first FA Cup semi-final since 2005.

Focus reverts back to the Premier League, where Newcastle currently sit 10th. And Howe delivered a message to those who believe his team have nothing to play for between now and May.

Asked about European qualification, Howe said: "That’s our aim. There is a huge amount to play for. If people say our season is over, that’s absolute nonsense as far as I’m concerned.

"We’re driving forward to try and get our best form back first and foremost. and try and win as many games as we can. We want to finish the season in a positive way because we’ll take that feeling into next year as well.

"I do feel we have a lot to be positive about but we always have a lot to analyse and reflect on and try to improve."

Howe and his players will jet off to Dubai during the two-week international break for some warm weather training before welcoming European rivals West Ham United to St James' Park on Saturday, March 30 (kick-off 12:30pm).

Newcastle are seven points off sixth place Manchester United and three points away from West Ham in seventh.

Howe added: “We’ve got 10 massive games left and are only a few points below seventh place [in the Premier League], so we’re looking to end the season on a high."