The players we signed in the summer for the first team – Gini Wijnaldum, Chancel Mbemba, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Florian Thauvin – all came from teams who were basically fighting at the top of their leagues for the title.
Gini led PSV to the Dutch Championship and was also the Dutch Player of the Year and Mitrovic and Mbemba had Anderlecht in 3rd place in the Belgian Pro League.
Florian Thauvin´s Marseille were 4th in Ligue 1 in France.
Georginio Wijnaldum – not used to fighting relegation
So they are not used to fighting a relegation battle, and that´s what we are in again this season at Newcastle – and we have to say we are shocked that has happened after least season´s complete and utter nightmare.
Fabricio Coloccini has talked a lot since the second defeat in a row at West Brom on Monday afternoon and he´s had this to say about the new summer arrivals when asked if they are suited to a relegation battle:
“I think some of them start to learn now, they have not been in this situation. They played for top teams in other leagues.”
“It’s a different experience for them but they have to know this is very difficult.” “It’s a tough Premier League season and it’s going to be tougher if we don’t do the right things.”
“Most of them are learning quickly, like Chancel and a few who came this season.” “We don’t have time, now we have to improve as quickly as possible because we are in the middle of the season and we need points.”
“We have to try to do it as soon as possible. We need to improve things and quickly because if we don’t then we’re going to be in trouble.”
“Two months ago we said it was still a long season, a long way, now we’re in the middle of the season and we need to improve because the end is coming.”
“We have to watch carefully and try to improve for next year because we want to be safe.” “We’re disappointed because the way we lost is difficult. It’s the second time it’s happened.”
“There are things we need to improve. It’s very difficult but we have the strength to get out of the situation.”
“We had a few games against Tottenham and Liverpool where we did well against top teams.”
We have a tough game at Arsenal next up but that´s always been a difficult fixture for Newcastle and the game could be over in the first 20 minutes, because you know Arsenal will come gunning for us early in the game (couldn’t´t resist that).
But those are some of the dangers in Newcastle´s transfer policy of getting cheaper players in from the continent – they take time to adjust.
And if we are in a relegation battle it´s a very tough thing for them, because it´s something they have never gone through in their careers.
Welcome to Newcastle – and we appear to be sinking fast unless things can be turned around rather quickly.
Some early signings in January would help us, but we don´t have much confidence in those who are leading the club from the top – and that´s completely based on past experience.
We hope Newcastle bring some good players in next month – but players who can produce immediately for the side – that´s what we need.
It´s also good to see our captain finally speaking out – Colo needs to keep doing that.
Comments welcome.
6 comments so far
Ron Knee
Dec 30, 2015 at 7:27 AM
Comment #1“… because the end is coming.”
You got that bit right, Coloccini!
Ian Toon
Dec 30, 2015 at 7:37 AM
Comment #2News Opinion Business Money Sport Life Arts Puzzles Papers Irish news
The Times Wednesday, December 30 2015:
Alan Shearer leads tributes to lost friend Pavel Srnicek
Jason Mellor
Last updated at 12:01AM, December 30 2015
Newcastle United supporters have launched a floral tribute to Pavel Srnicek, who has died aged 47 after suffering a cardiac arrest before Christmas in his native Czech Republic.
Alan Shearer, Andrew Cole, Steve Harper and Robert Lee, his former team-mates, plus members of Steve McClaren’s squad, led the tributes to Srnicek, who made almost 200 appearances in two spells on Tyneside after signing from Banik Ostrava in 1991.
“So very, very sad to lose my friend and former team-mate,” Shearer tweeted. “My thoughts are with his family at this awful time.”
Harper, the former Newcastle and Hull City goalkeeper, said: “A truly beautiful soul has left this world far too early. Thank you so much for everything you did for me Pav.”
Petr Cech, the Arsenal goalkeeper, said: “RIP Pavel. All thoughts are with your family.”
Tim Krul, the present Newcastle goalkeeper, said: “Such a tragedy. It’s an honour to have known and worked with you. Great man and a legend, puts things in perspective.”
Srnicek, who collapsed while out jogging, also had spells in goal at Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham United. He played 49 times for his country.
Steve Wraith, his agent, said that final brain scans on Monday had shown irreversible damage and the decision had been taken to turn off the life-support machine at the hospital in Ostrava where he had been in an induced coma since December 20. He had returned to Newcastle a week before his collapse to promote his autobiography.
Supporters have begun to lay flowers at St James’ Park as a mark of respect. Further tributes are planned at Newcastle’s next home game, against Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on January 12.
A club statement said: “Our thoughts are with Pavel’s family, many friends and former colleagues at this very difficult time. Supporters wishing to lay flowers at St James’ Park are welcome to do so at the Alder Sweeney Memorial Garden.”
Lilongwe Geordie
Dec 30, 2015 at 7:42 AM
Comment #3Actually Ed, if you read what he says that precedes this quote he talks about how he thinks this group of players are better equipped to stay up because they are younger and have greater desire.
Lilongwe Geordie
Dec 30, 2015 at 7:45 AM
Comment #4*better equipped then the one that went down.
Ian Toon
Dec 30, 2015 at 7:52 AM
Comment #5The Daily Telegraph Sport : 30/12/2015:
Alan Shearer led football’s tributes yesterday to his former Newcastle United team-mate Pavel Srnicek, who has died nine days after collapsing while out running in the Czech Republic.
The goalkeeper, 47, a key member of the Kevin Keegan side who came close to winning the Premier League 20 years ago, had suffered a heart attack and was in an induced coma at the Ostrava-Poruba Hospital in the east of the country.
After tests confirmed irreversible brain damage, his family took the decision to switch off his life support system, and were by his side when he died yesterday.
Srnicek was a popular figure on Tyneside, and had visited Newcastle only this month to publicise his autobiography Pavel is a Geordie.
At his family’s request, Newcastle supporters had sung the title of his book at the two matches since his collapse, in order that a recording could be played at his bedside.
Shearer wrote on Twitter: “So v v sad to lose my friend and former team-mate @PavelSrnicekUK. My thoughts are with his family at this awful time.”
Other former team-mates followed suit, including Keith Gillespie, who tweeted: “So sad to hear about Pavel Srnicek. Proud to have known him and play with him. Absolute gentleman. #RIPPAV.”
Srnicek, capped 49 times for the Czech Republic, made 189 appearances for Newcastle from 1991 to 1998 and went on to have spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham before returning on loan as cover for Shay Given in 2006.
His release the following year brought an end to his playing career, but he remained in the game and was working as goalkeeping coach at Sparta Prague when he died. His agent, Steve Wraith, announced his death in a statement released on Facebook and Twitter.
Wraith added: “My final conversation with him was about getting the ‘Entertainers’ team back together one more time for charity next year, as it will be 20 years since that Newcastle team almost won the Premier League. We will make that happen and celebrate this great man’s life together. United. Fans and players alike.”
Others who tweeted their sympathy included fellow keeper Peter Schmeichel, who said: “It’s with incredible sadness I have learned that Pavel Srnicek has died. A gentleman and a great sportsman. RIP my friend”.
Newcastle keeper Tim Krul tweeted: “Such a tragedy. An honour to have known & worked with you. Great man and a legend, puts things in perspective. #rip.”
His former clubs, Portsmouth and Wednesday, also added their tributes while Newcastle’s rivals Sunderland offered their condolences to his family.
The next Mike Williamson
Dec 30, 2015 at 7:54 AM
Comment #6Mcclaren needs to decide what type of team we are. One minute we were a possesion short passing team, next we are the polar opposite zero possesions long ball team. It hardly inspires confidence and I wonder if the players are just as confused as macca seems to be. he’s got to go. at least pardew knew he wanted a team of talentless grafters who would kill the game and hope to knick one on the break. mcclaren has just bumbled along his whole career without a specific plan. Carr just seems to bring in players based on talent without thinking what style of play we use.