Rafa Benitez has underlined how "difficult" life is becoming in the Premier League - and believes the fact that four English teams have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League sums up the challenge ahead for Newcastle United.
Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United have advanced to the latter stages of the competition and with Pep Guardiola's side going head-to-head with Mauricio Pochettino's team in the last eight, it means that at least one side will reach the last four.
Should Manchester United overcome Barcelona and Liverpool make it past FC Porto there could be another all-English affair and a chance for at least one Premier League side to make it into this year's final at Madrid's Estadio Metropolitano.
United boss Benitez admitted it would be a "miracle" if Newcastle stayed in the Premier League this season but they head into the last seven matches with a chance of the top 10 - which would be a remarkable feat for the second year running.
But Benitez admitted the challenge that lies ahead, he told the Chronicle: "When you compete against them or anybody in the top six it's always quite difficult. It's difficult for any team in Europe.
"So imagine for us or the rest of the Premier League?"
Benitez lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005 with Liverpool in a dramatic final in Istanbul against AC Milan.
Now, the Toon boss feels the power lies in England as the big clubs splash out huge amounts on top talent.
When asked if the task is getting tougher for those who aren't in the running for Champions League places, Benitez said: "Yeah, obviously a lot of people aren't happy because all they can see is the English teams.
"But who has the money? The Premier League.
"They're signing the best players from around the world. So normally when you do that you have to be there."
Newcastle take on Arsenal in their next game on Monday night at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have not managed to make it to the Champions League for the last two seasons but have a tough test against Serie A side Napoli in the next round.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been preparing for the clash with United with a warm weather trip to Dubai.
After a 3-2 win over Al Nasr, Unai Emery was also asked about the top four race.
He said: "It’s our objective but we know that we have to wait.
"We are working and being competitive each match.
"Now, in these next eight matches, we need to play with a lot of personality like we did against Manchester United.
"We know it’s going to be difficult because we are surrounded by other big teams but I think we are working very well and we are taking confidence to have chances in the last matches. Each match is our next objective and we think game by game.
"The next game is at home with our supporters against Newcastle, so it’s up to us to enjoy each match with the possibility of finding the three points.
"Afterwards, the second way of (qualifying for the Champions League) is through the Europa League.
"We can play for one title and then also to take another way to reach the Champions League.
"We are in a good moment in good confidence, and also in a good moment physically."
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