Sandro Tonali Says Newcastle United’s Focus Is All On Champions League

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has challenged the club to secure Champions League football this season after its Carabao Cup win.

The Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley before Tonali scored the winner in a victory by the same score in their Premier League return against Brentford on Wednesday.

Ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy already secured legendary status for this team, but Tonali insisted the focus must now shift to qualifying for Europe’s biggest competition after playing in it last season.

“I’m happy for the trophy, but it was [two weeks ago],” Tonalu said.

“We need to think about the Champions League, we need to think about winning every game.

“Everybody is happy for this season, every game we push and I’m happy to play for Newcastle.

“We have two months to get back into the Champions League. All the people here deserve it.”

Tonali made his Champions League home debut for Newcastle in its 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in October 2023, after moving from AC Milan for $71m the previous summer.

He wants memories of that game to inspire the team in its last nine games, starting at Leicester City on Monday.

“It is the best tournament in Europe; last season, against Paris Saint-Germain [a match Newcastle won 4-1], the stadium was magic. This team deserves it again but we need to push every week.

“Every player wants to play in the Champions League; we can do everything with this team of fantastic players.”

‘I’ve come back free’

Tonali has become a key player in Newcastle’s midfield this season, after a 10-month suspension for breaching betting rules ended in August.

The 24-year-old paid tribute to his team-mates and supporters and wants to repay them.

“It was a difficult season and I’m happy to come back, I’ve come back free and as a new player. I’m happy to help the team and the players and fans, they are amazing,” Tonali added.”

Tonali also said he enjoys playing in midfield with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes and hailed top scorer Alexander Isak as “one of the best strikers in the world.”

“I am excited to play with Bruno and Joe because we play for the team before ourselves. This is the first thing, it is important. Joe is so strong, Bruno is so intelligent.

“In football, if you’re striker is happy, the team is happy. Alex is happy every week; he scores every week and he is one of the best in the world. I’m happy to play with Alex.”