Newcastle United’s first Champions League match at St. James’ Park in a long time is obviously a great reason to get excited about tonight’s game.
The fact that the Magpies will be facing Paris Saint Germain only makes this match bigger, and that has been creating a great expectation in the French media as well.
Today, RMC Sport features an interview with Fabrice Pancrate, who played for both clubs and talked about the kind of atmosphere PSG can expect from Newcastle fans… who he believes are even louder than Liverpool supporters.
The former winger is confident that the Magpies’ fanbase will make a lot of noise, and that’s when the favourable comparison to Jurgen Klopp’s fanbase came up.
“It’s a fervour that’s truly indescribable and unique. Many people take Liverpool’s fans as an example, but I can say those of Newcastle are much better known than Liverpool’s. In my opinion, Newcastle fans are ahead of Liverpool’s. In my opinion, they are better known than Liverpool.
Pancrate was also asked whether Newcastle fans have changed since the Saudi takeover, and claims things remain the same at St. James’ Park.
“That hasn’t changed despite the takeover because that’s who they are. The takeover is just about investors and people who have long-term plans for the club. And in the near future to try and win the Champions League, I imagine, given their colossal resources. But the club’s identity is intact and hasn’t changed. It’s still the same people you see singing in the stands. It’s still the same people waving their shirts with pride. They’re still the same people who walk the streets of Newcastle proudly showing off their shirts and supporting their club.”
The French media has been explaining how cautious PSG should be against Newcastle. As L’Equipe came up with team news today, they warned the Ligue 1 side they shouldn’t be ‘dizzy or nauseous’ in tonight’s match, despite the atmosphere they’ll be facing.
Now it’s up to the fans to live up to the hype.
