Anthony Gordon press conference delayed as Newcastle hit issues on way to PSG
Anthony Gordon and Eddie Howe’s press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with PSG has been delayed.
Newcastle lost 2-0 to Aston Villa on Sunday, but the Magpies are looking to bounce back against the European Champions.
Howe‘s side are in a strong position in the Champions League, but risk falling out of the top eight should they lose to the French side.
Gordon took particular criticism for his performance against Villa, but the winger has been in exceptional form in Europe.
The England international picked up his sixth Champions League goal of the season as Newcastle beat PSV 3-0 last week.
Severe conditions delay Newcastle United press conference
Wednesday’s game will be the first time that Newcastle and PSG face off since their two games in the 2023-24 Champions League group stage.
The Magpies secured one of their most iconic victories of recent times in the home edition of the group games, with Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar netting in a 4-1 win.
And the return fixture was good for Newcastle, too, with Howe’s side only denied victory in the 98th minute when PSG were awarded a highly controversial penalty.
The French side will be a different prospect at the Parc des Princes this time around, however, and Newcastle’s trip has started in the worst possible way.
Keith Downie reported on Tuesday that the Magpies’ flight to Paris was delayed by three hours due to severe weather conditions.
They eventually did take off at 13:00, with Gordon and Howe’s press conference now delayed as a result.
Supercomputer hands Newcastle small chance of victory
Howe will not be under any false impression about the task that awaits his team in Paris on Wednesday.
PSG are the champions of Europe for a reason, and face their own pressure to maintain a position in the top eight.
Opta‘s supercomputer has given Newcastle just a 20 per cent chance of emerging victorious on Wednesday, while the chance of a home win stands at 59 per cent.
Howe’s team will not pay attention to that, however, and will carry the confidence that saw them take four points from PSG in 2023.