Joelinton believes qualifying for the Europa League next season should be the aim for Newcastle United. The Magpies have secured their Premier League status with two games to spare and are currently 12 points off the Europa Conference League spot.
However, when you take into account Newcastle's 14 game winless run at the start of the campaign, four wins would have had them in with a shout of European football. The dramatic turn around under Eddie Howe cannot be understated and the Brazilian believes Howe should take the gong for Manager of the Year.
Joelinton also revealed he's struck up quite the bond with fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes, and claims the dynamic midfielder sings his song round the house. Speaking to Premier League Productions, Joelinton said: "I think we have to fight for the Europa League next season.
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"We’ve shown this season how strong a team we can be with winning six in a row. If we can do that regularly, we can fight for the Europa League. I didn’t know him before [Bruno Guimaraes] but it’s so good to have players of his quality. Since he’s come over I’ve tried to help him on and off the pitch. Great guy. I don’t sing my terrace song around the house like him but sometimes I listen to it!”
Newcastle have defied the odds having looked destined for relegation after their dismal start to the campaign. Howe has transformed the Magpies and, combined with a successful January window, has built a platform for next season.
“I think he deserves Manager of the Season & I wish he can win," said Joelinton when asked about the head coach. "He’s a great person - I have a lot of respect for him. Great coach & hopefully we can work together for many years. It’s a great feeling to be safe. We can achieve more in future - we can achieve every title possible because we’re a big club & have the best support in the world.
"We talk sometimes about this [Wor Flags displays] and think about what they’re going to do the next game. It’s beautiful to see - the flags and how they push us and give us extra motivation and energy. It’s amazing. I’ve never played for such good fans. They go to my house - ring my doorbell! I answered once & they just wanted to say hello! And that Hawaiian shirt… I’m taking that to Brazil to wear this summer!"
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