Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is determined to lead the Magpies back into the Champions League after their 2-1 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park on Wednesday. Tonali struck a superb winner from a tight angle to seal the win, leaving Newcastle just a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City with a game in hand.
“I am happy for the team and happy for this win,” said Tonali. “It is three points that can help us come back to the Champions League. This is a massive win for us. We need to win every game at St James’ Park.”
Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55 million ($72 million) in July 2023, emphasized the importance of winning their remaining games. “Now we play only (to be among) the first five teams, for the Champions League. It is a little bit tough, but we are lucky because there are five teams in the Champions League this season.”
“The team is a little bit free, so it is much better for me and for the fans. Now we have nine finals to get back into the Champions League,” Tonali added.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised Tonali’s emergence as a key player. “Technically, he’s an outstanding player. Sandro, the beauty of him, he doesn’t tend to try to do difficult things. Now the goal he scored (against Brentford) is incredibly difficult, but just in his general play, he makes good decisions, he doesn’t over-complicate the game.”
“Off both feet, he’s a very, very clever player, a very intelligent player,” Howe said.
Tonali, who returned from a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations, expressed his gratitude to the team and fans. “It was a difficult season. But now I am happy to come back free, come back happy. I am a new player. I just want to help this team and these players.”
“The players for me are amazing and the fans are too. Everybody in Newcastle is happy. We will push 100 per cent for this city,” Tonali concluded.