Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes has delivered high praise for Newcastle United ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash at the Vélodrome, describing the Premier League side as “a special club in England” with a fan base and project that has impressed him from afar.
Newcastle travel to France on the back of a season-defining 2–1 win over Manchester City, a victory that has reignited belief within Eddie Howe’s squad after an inconsistent start. But while the team’s confidence is growing, the atmosphere awaiting them in Marseille is expected to be anything but welcoming. Local authorities have imposed extensive restrictions on away supporters, including movement bans and heavy police presence — measures that reflect a city struggling to manage its own volatile matchday environment.
In the middle of that tension, Gomes offered a rare warm voice.
“A special club in England” – Gomes on Newcastle’s rise
Gomes, who came through the academy at Manchester United before moving to Lille and then Marseille in 2025, has quickly become an influential figure under de Zerbi. With three goals in 15 appearances so far this season, he is expected to start on Tuesday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the 25-year-old did not hold back in his admiration for Newcastle’s evolution.
“It’s a special club in England, with a large fan base,” Gomes said. “St James’ Park is a very nice place to play. In the last two years, they’ve taken another step forward… the team is very strong now. What they’ve built is impressive.”
His comments echo the wider European perception of Newcastle under Howe — physical, organised, brave on the ball, and increasingly confident on the continental stage.
“They’re very strong physically” – What worries Marseille
Asked about facing Howe’s team just days after their win over Manchester City, Gomes made clear the size of the challenge:
“Newcastle are a very strong team physically… they have a lot of quality. I know many of the players, I’ve played with and against several of them, so I know it’s difficult.”
He also underlined Marseille’s own advantage:
“The Vélodrome is a special place — and in the Champions League it’s even more special.”
With both sides showing flashes of inconsistency this season, Tuesday’s match may hinge on the rhythm of the opening exchanges — and which midfield asserts control first.
Our View: Why Gomes’ comments matter
Having followed Newcastle closely this season, it’s clear their European opponents increasingly view them as a serious force rather than a novelty entrant. In our view, Gomes’ assessment reflects how far Howe’s project has come: teams now prepare for Newcastle the way they once prepared for Atletico Madrid — high-pressure, high-intensity, tactically demanding fixtures.
Although some might see this praise as mind games, other indications point differently: Marseille genuinely regard Newcastle’s physicality as a major concern. Ligue 1 sides face athletic teams weekly, but Newcastle combine size with Premier League-level tempo, which is far harder to replicate.
From my experience covering games at the Vélodrome, Marseille’s biggest edge isn’t tactics — it’s atmosphere. If Newcastle weather the first 20 minutes, the dynamic shifts dramatically.
Momentum / Fixture Insight
Newcastle arrive in France after their best display of the season, while Marseille’s home crowd remains one of Europe’s most intimidating. For Howe, managing the emotional temperature of the opening phase will be key; for Gomes and Marseille, exploiting early chaos is their clearest route to control.
Key Insights
- Angel Gomes praises Newcastle as a “special club” with a huge fan base.
- The midfielder says Newcastle have taken “another step forward” in recent years.
- He highlights their physical strength and technical quality.
- Marseille expect a difficult match but trust the Vélodrome atmosphere to help them.
- Newcastle arrive after a morale-boosting win against Manchester City.
What’s Next
Marseille host Newcastle at the Vélodrome on Tuesday night, with both sides fighting to strengthen their Champions League group position. A win for Newcastle could reinforce their upturn; a win for Marseille could re-ignite their European momentum.
👉 Newcastle fans — does Gomes’ praise reflect how far Howe has taken the club, or is it just pre-match diplomacy?
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