When visiting Bournemouth for the first time since leaving them in August 2020, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says he is unsure of how he will feel.
After the Cherries were demoted from the Premier League, the 45-year-old left the team of his own free will.
Over 450 games were played under Howe's direction during his two stints as manager of the south coast team, which lasted more than ten years.
Howe, whose team plays Bournemouth on Saturday (17:30 GMT), stated, "We've been preparing the game as usual.".
"It's hard to predict how I'll feel emotionally when I enter a stadium I know so well and see so many people I know so well.
"At this time, we are preparing for the match just like we would for any other Premier League match.
Under Howe, who led them to three promotions in six seasons, Bournemouth transformed from a struggling League Two team to a well-known Premier League outfit.
Before being demoted in 2020, they played in the top division for five seasons.
Prior to joining the coaching staff, Howe played for the Cherries for almost the entirety of his playing career, appearing in over 300 games over two stints.
Jason Tindall, his assistant at Newcastle, took over as Cherries manager after Howe left before being fired in February 2021.
Callum Wilson, a striker who recently transferred from Bournemouth to Newcastle, said he will try his hardest to score, but added that he won't celebrate if he does.
Wilson said on the Footballer's Football podcast: "To celebrate in front of their fans against the team that means so much to them would be a bit disrespectful. I feel like they gave me an unbelievable opportunity to play and advance my career.
Howe: We're frantic to triumph.
With Bournemouth currently in 19th place and trying to avoid the drop, Newcastle, who are currently in fourth place, will be looking to strengthen their case for a Champions League spot.
Howe emphasized how crucial it was that they avoid doing so. "Let's examine what they have done recently.
They made transfer market investments and signed some excellent players. Compared to the Bournemouth team from earlier weeks, this one is different.
"They are very athletic, and the team plays with a lot of pace. Since this is a new game, we must be prepared for what lies ahead.
Although the Magpies have gone unbeaten in 16 straight Premier League games, four of those last five games have ended in draws.
"We're eager to succeed. We don't want to experience any kind of lull in our season, said Howe.
"We have 16 straight victories, so we must remain upbeat, but we also need to win.
Before facing Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on February 26, Newcastle will play matches in the top flight against Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Howe claims to have "banned" conversation about the championship at home.
Two games must be played [before the final]; it is in two weeks.
"I'm not thinking about the championship game at all, aside from perhaps watching it with everyone else in Newcastle who has tickets. That is currently the buzzword being used all over the city.
"I've received requests from all different kinds of people, as well as random texts from people whose numbers I don't know.
We are aware that once Bournemouth is over, Liverpool is the only team worth considering.
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