The Newcastle players will start returning to Newcastle over the next couple of weeks as training for the pre-season will start at Benton on July 5th, which is a Thursday.
Jonas Gutierrez – first time in Europe for the Argentine International
That’s a good way to start because presumably they will have a couple of days of training and then take a couple of days off so they slowly and safely get back into the swing of things.
Jonas Gutierrez is really looking forward to next season, when the lads will be playing in Europe for the first time since the 2006-2007 season.
That’s when Glenn Roeder had Newcastle in 7th place, after winning six of the last seven league games of the previous season, and he had taken over from the sacked Graeme Souness in early February of 2006.
This is what Jonas told the Evening Chronicle today:
“It’s really important that we have made it into Europe.” “When you think back to what people were saying about us at the start of last season, it is huge statement.”
“Nobody expected us to get there.” “There were a lot of changes in the dressing room and a lot of new players who came in.” “But we had a really good season.”
“It was always in our hands to get a place and we managed it.” “At Real Mallorca I didn’t play in Europe and this will be my first time.”
“When you sign for a club like Newcastle you always hope to play.” “I played at Real Mallorca and we played against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia.”
“Here I am used to playing Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.” “I don’t think it will take much to adjust.” “When you look at the teams in the Europa League they try to play good football.”
“They will open the pitch and try to keep the ball.” “They will open the pitch and try to keep the ball.” “And we’ll have to be ready for that.” “We have had time to think about it over the summer.”
It will be the first time ever that Gutierrez has played in European competition so he’s obviously looking forward to it, and it will also be the first time in Europe for a few of our other players too, and that’s especially true of the younger players.
But other players like Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor, Shola Ameobi, Gabby Obertan and Davide Santon have played in Europe before.
And Jonas turns 29 on July 5th, so maybe he’ll be given the day off by Alan Pardew?
No way Jose (or should that be Jonas?).
Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
Tsunki
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Comment #1It will be a top education for the young players I believe.
Tsunki
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Comment #2Oh was I first again? Not even trying ha ha.
Beattie25
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Comment #3If De Jong signs for that amount i’ll be utterly flabbergasted.
I knew Cisse was value at 8-10 million but De Jong for the same price?
Obviously Carr knows more than any of us but when we need a FB, CB, CM & LW then surely we wont fork out that amount on De JOng unless this will be the Summer where Ashley goes on a mad spree.
I for one hate when my fellow bloggers talk about priorities in the market when we need cover and improvement in a lot of areas but I cant help feel that if we take De Jong that’ll mean we will sacrfice another player to bring him in. this cannot happen. We cannot take another gamble. We need the positions as listed above before another ST signs for 8 million, unless Uncle Mike you have seen business sense and know that in order to accuulate you must speculate.
If BT are paying that much money per game it is essential we become a top 6 club to feature in as many games as possible.
The closer to the top the more money is brought in.
I’m so fcuking confused this summer, is anybody else mentally mushed?
rich_toonfan
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Comment #4We need to take Europe seriously.
It is only England that devalues the Europa league. All other countries field strong sides and look to win it.
Yes we need a balance so some youngster will play but we can’t just write it off either.
And as far as de Jong goes….. His agent and club will not tell the truth, they will say anything to make themselves more money.
We might not be in for him, we could be the only team in for him or there could be 5 sides in. It’s silly season and people say anything to make a bit extra cash.
Eyeball81
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:14 AM
Comment #5Still cant believe danny simpson is stalling on signing his contract….pride comes before a fall danny…..he wont get a better chance than here at newcastle…he will end up at a mid level/relegation side…I know he said its not greed why not try negotiate for a larger appearence fee to top up your wages
rich_toonfan
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:16 AM
Comment #6Simmo wants regular footy too.
He might have to drop to a lesser team but it’s not like he is leaving champs league and a very good shout at a trophy.
I admire him if he wants the money of a starter, after all he isn’t as good as collo in the defence but he is doing a job and ha every right to ask for a similar wage.
Ketsbaia9
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Comment #7We probably won’t be able to get rid of him. Can’t see anyone being interested in him. He won’t improve any team in the premiership. Fulham won’t sign him, they have Baird and Aaron Hughes who are twice the players.
toonincheek
Jun 22, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Comment #8Beattie –
If De Jong signs for that amount i’ll be utterly flabbergasted.
I knew Cisse was value at 8-10 million but De Jong for the same price?
I don’t think anyone would argue that Cisse is much better than De Jong – NOW.
But Cisse’s age gives him a much smaller re-sale value after a 4-5 year contract.
Now, if that is taken into account, and De Jong can be expected to be worth £5 million more in 5 years time, it puts the (speculated) De Jong transfer fee into a different perspective.
Or maybe MA can see that with the extra money likely to come into the club from higher TV rights, it does make financial sense to get top class players.
Oh . . . . Sorry – dreaming there for a minute.
Ketsbaia9
Jun 22, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Comment #9We should just go for Mauro Zarate on loan.
OTP
Jun 22, 2012 at 2:38 PM
Comment #10Apparently 12mill was the latest rejected for De Jong. I think that was too high tbh so anything more is ridiculous. Good player but not worth that much.