Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United, remains optimistic about his team's prospects in the upcoming Champions League campaign, emphasizing the importance of player integration and squad depth. Howe compared new signing Anthony Elanga to Anthony Gordon, praising his pace and directness, and expressed confidence that Elanga will adapt and flourish. Despite Elanga's slow start and being rotated with Jacob Murphy, Howe highlighted his potential to make an impact against Barcelona, especially given Newcastle's pace and tactical setup. The club faces a £55 million dilemma over team selection, with Murphy currently favored for the right-wing position due to his excellent form last season, though Howe remains positive about Elanga’s development. Newcastle's summer transfer window has strengthened their squad, providing multiple options for each position, which Howe believes will be crucial for competing on multiple fronts. The team’s recent performances have shown promising signs, with new signings like Nick Woltemade and Sandro Tonali making significant contributions. Howe also reflected on lessons learned from last season's European campaign, aiming to improve and advance further this year. Overall, Howe is pleased with the squad's spirit and ability, confident that the players are on the right track to meet their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.