I understand the surprise in the UCL can happen to any club. But, my assumption is, with Newcastle's current strength, they still need time. It's not about their financial or the rich club, but about their chances of bringing in players who have a winning mentality in the UCL. That's why I say, maybe not for now, until they can win the EPL, then it will be easier for Newcastle to really able to compete in the UCL. We'll see PSG, with their financial strength and also the quality of their players, they can't be champions yet, the same thing can happen to newcastle. Well going to round 16 is look make sense, but we have to see in the group phase
Yes it makes perfect sense that Newcastle need time to build a squad that has a winning mentality like the UCL. Everyone is aware that the winning mentality is a very important factor and must be possessed by everyone in the club, from club officials, managers, staff to players. Of course to get it takes a long time, and patience in fighting whether you win or lose. Roman Abramovic waited for the Champions League trophy to be placed in the Chelsea cupboard for more than eight years, Sheikh Mansour had to wait for more than 15 years to get the trophy with Man City.
I think the two stories of the journey of the Elite EPL club can be a direct example for Newcastle and their fans. Everything takes time and as you said the club's finances can make it easier to sign players but can't make it faster to win trophies. The English Premier League trophy for Newcastle will be more realistic as a sign that they deserve to be reckoned with by other teams, the UCL will follow later.