Eddie Howe was full of praise for his Newcastle United side after their first UEFA Champions League campaign in 20 years ended last night.
Newcastle needed to beat AC Milan on Wednesday to have any chance of progressing to the next round of the competition, but instead a 2-1 loss, their third defeat in a row in all competitions, meant that they finished bottom of Group F and exit European competition altogether.
Group F standings
| Team | Pts | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|
| Dortmund | 11 | +3 |
| PSG | 8 | +1 |
| AC Milan | 8 | -3 |
| Newcastle | 5 | -1 |
A proud Howe said the disappointment of elimination will serve as motivation for his players in weeks to come.
"I feel for the players," he said. "I've seen what they have given and how committed they have been. I can't fault them at all.
"It is painful for me and for them because I know how professional they are and how they want to achieve success.
"Any time you don't achieve what you want and have a setback and disappointment you have to use it as fuel. That has always been my way.
"The pain you feel now is motivation for tomorrow and now we have to focus on the Premier League.
"For me there is nothing but positive thoughts about the team and what they are giving, but now we have to make sure we are consistent in the Premier League."
More injury problems for Howe
Last night's defeat to Milan was also costly as Howe revealed that two more players picked up injuries.
Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon were both forced off just after the hour, with Howe revealing that the latter felt something in his hamstring.
"I had to make two changes I didn't really want to make [Gordon and Trippier] due to injury," Howe said. "I think he [Trippier] picked up something in the first half. I don't quite know what it is at this moment in time. He wanted to carry on at half-time, but then he signalled that he couldn't.
"[Gordon] said he had an awareness of his hamstring. I am not sure if it's an injury because he could still sort of play, but he couldn't play to the level that he's played for a long time."
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More positive for Howe was the the return from injury of Dan Burn, who replaced Trippier.
Howe will hope his side can return to winning ways on Saturday when they welcome Fulham to St James' Park.