One of our most experienced Premier League player in the Newcastle team is Federico Fernandez who is now looking like an excellent buy Rafa made on the last day of the summer transfer window.
The Argentine International center back joined us on August 9th for just £4M from relegated Swansea City and he has played very well for the Magpies so far this season.
He was our Man of the Match on Saturday, and he laid on the excellent cross that was headed home by Ciaran Clark in the dying minutes of the game.
Federico played a season under Rafa at Napoli back in season 2013-2014, so he knows what Rafa wants from his player and was delighted to join back up with his old gaffer at Newcastle.
Federico Fernandez – in action on Saturday
The initial reports coming from the training field before he even made his debut was that he was impressive – and he’s been that playing for the first team.
The 29-year-old has said this today on the Newcastle website:
“We know it’s very important.” “We have a couple of games against teams who are maybe middle of the table now. It’s no excuse, but in these five games we knew it would be very difficult, against top teams.”
“But we’ve approached them well, we’ve played like a team, but we didn’t take anything. Now we need to start taking points because that’s what we need.”
“We need to analyze the good things and prepare for Crystal Palace away. We can go there and win the game, so we need to be ready, be focussed and positive.”
“I think we played very well in the first half, and we deserved more from the first half (on Saturday).” We pushed high, we tried to press and we had our chances.”
“When you don’t score it’s difficult. We started the second half a little bit deep and after the really good free kick, they started to feel more comfortable with the ball.”
“We were disappointed because we approached the game very well, against a really good team.”
“They scored the second goal, and after that it was very difficult to come back into the game, even though we scored once later on.”
“I think we did everything in that first half to score a goal, but we didn’t, and that’s maybe the difference.”
“We need to keep working, defensively especially, and to create chances, score goals and win games now.”
“Overall, the commitment and the effort from everyone has been really good, but we need to keep going.”
Those are good, sensible and down to earth comments from the 32 times capped Argentina International, and that could be Rafa talking.
He played 117 Premier League games for Swansea, and it shows.
If Federico keeps up his good form he could be recalled to the Argentine squad; he definitely looks like a skillful and reliable player at the back and another good acquisition by Mr. Benetiz.
It looks like Fernandez will fill in exceptionally well for the injured Florian Lejeune.
Then when the Frenchman comes back from his severe ACL knee injury – probably in January – it’s anybody’s guess who the two first-choice central defenders will be.
Comments welcome.
113 comments so far
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:16 PM
Comment #1After a lot of consultation with other members of the blog I have decided to start a Respect The Point campaign. Yes, that’s right lads. Wor point is not getting the respect it deserves! We will be working to ensure that this terrible situation comes to an end. More to come…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:18 PM
Comment #2I’m having The Point coated in gold and it will be available for viewing on Wednesdays, 9 am-11am outside the ground. It will then be put in a place of honour in the club trophy room. Harrumph!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:19 PM
Comment #3Anybody who does not Respect The Point is not a true supporter of wor club!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:22 PM
Comment #4Spread the word lads. Respect The Point!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:24 PM
Comment #5Now, onto other matters. I’ve just been inspecting the club books. We seem to have a lot of extra money lying aboot. Lots of cash here. Hmmmm. Millions and millions. Possibly Mikey and Lee didn’t notice it? I’ll bring it to their attention. No point letting good money go to waste…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:29 PM
Comment #6What you want
Baby, I got it
What you need
Do you know I got it?
All we’re askin’
Is for a little respect when you get home (just a little bit)
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(Just a little bit) mister (just a little bit Oh yeah baby) RESPECT.
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:31 PM
Comment #7Oh and another thing. Yes, we’ve started a little slowly. Yes we’ve lost a few. Yes we’ve only got that one magnificent point. But we Believe baby! Oh yessss we Believe. Hallelujah Brothers!!!!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:32 PM
Comment #8If you lot want to organize a little parade to celebrate Respect The Point day on Wednesday that would be fine with me…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:33 PM
Comment #9I would have asked Aretha to come and sing for us but… well, you know….
A Pain in the Blog
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:35 PM
Comment #10G2
Whatever you’re drinking or smoking I want some.
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:41 PM
Comment #11Yes, well Harrumph! I hope I’ve gotten The Point across A Pain mate….
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:46 PM
Comment #12If anybody would care to share their ideas for Respect The Point Celebration Day we would love to hear them. Speak to us Brotha’s!!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 5:59 PM
Comment #13Hmmm. Lack of enthusiasm so far I see….
Ibizatoon
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:01 PM
Comment #14G2…Are you sure you’d “love to hear them”? 🙂
Oh, and don’t forget the sistas! Or are they…doin’ it for themselves?
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:02 PM
Comment #15A lot of you are coming oot of the closet now and admitting you do Respect The Point. That’s good… very, very good. But we have to do more than that my Brotha’s! We have to spread the news! Other clubs (Brunley) can sniff at their point but we don’t do that! No! We’re better than that lads!!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:03 PM
Comment #16should read Burnoley I suppose.. Not that they deserve it….
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:03 PM
Comment #17Arsenal’s free kick
Just a thought – Would it of been better
Not setting a wall or a wall of one thus letting Dubravka have a free view of the free kick – like a penalty!!!!!??
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:04 PM
Comment #18Or Burnley even….
Ibizatoon
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:05 PM
Comment #19G2…Whilst it’s a lovely point, a point certainly worth celebration, can you just imagine if we had 2 of the li’l buggers?
I suppose what’s getting to me is that is must be a little lonely, all by itself.
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:05 PM
Comment #20Get a small white flag. Paint a black 1 on it. Bring it to the next match… Respect The Point!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:07 PM
Comment #21Well, Harrumph, I suupose I see your point Ibiza….Two? Hmmm. It would take a lot of getting used to. We would have to change all our flags and such…Hmmm…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:09 PM
Comment #22That’s a very good Point Charlie. How often does the wall obstruct the keeper’s view and allow a goal. Need to ask Martin…
Ibizatoon
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:10 PM
Comment #23G2…Very true. Good job you’re here to keep the priorities in order!
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:12 PM
Comment #24Does anybody else think we need a second Point? Let’s think about it a bit. We have several days before I make the suggestion to Rafa….
Ibizatoon
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:13 PM
Comment #25Charlie…Just re-watched it. It was fairly close to the top corner, not sure it was a question of visibility. Not sure the wall was really in his line of sight much at all tbh.
Ibizatoon
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:15 PM
Comment #26G2…Not to further complicate things, you know I like an easy life, but maybe if we’re going to expand on the 1 point, we should think beyond 2?
I hear if you win a game, you get a whole 3 of ’em! All in 1 go! That’d be 4, with our current delightful point.
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:19 PM
Comment #27Ta Ibiza. Somebody’s got to do it! Otherwise it’s chaos isn’t it? Extra points coming in all willy nilly…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:22 PM
Comment #28Now you’re getting a bit crazy Ibiza. Three points all at once? No… What?? Is that even possible? I’ll get back to you…. Beermonkey, have a look… Is that even in the rules?
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:24 PM
Comment #29I am a bit surprised at Burnley’s collapse. Anybody have any explanations?
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:26 PM
Comment #30Personally, I think it’s the curse of the Europa League. As with us under Pardew. Weak squad, too many fixtures, total disaster…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:28 PM
Comment #31I think it’s the second Arsenal goal that Martin wishes he had back to do over again. Almost had it.
Ibizatoon
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:28 PM
Comment #32Been having a little catch up on today’s comments. Always the extremes. It’s about money/the owner. No, its the manager.
There will be elements of truth to both. However, which part isn’t really that open to opinion and / or debate is Ashley. He’s taking us nowhere (To cut this bit short…he’s said so himself).
On Rafa, there isn’t an exact science. It is only opinions. His methods have, can, do and might continue to work. Saying otherwise is obscene imo. It surely just comes down to footballing preference? Which I get, just not sure where the venom towards him comes from, other than trying to provide balance to what is perceived as excessive praise of him, on here anyway.
I feel that Fulham will be a comparison for the season. Mitro going there and saying that the style the manager plays suits him as it’s more attacking, would tie in with the beliefs of those who aren’t Rafas biggest fans.They’ve obviously spent a hell of a lot more than us too.
So far, they’re a win better off than us. We have a better goal difference. Despite them being attacking and having Mitro.
Back on point, don’t like the man’s tactics to the cow’s come home, but can the conversation not be about whether they can work? Just seems a waste of all of our time. A bit like this post. Sorry.
Ibizatoon
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:29 PM
Comment #33G2…I’ll calm down and keep my ideas to myself mate.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:30 PM
Comment #34GeordieTwo
I think they have been found out – Bit like us they defend from 1 to 11 and tend to hit the ball long to their two front men – go 1-0 up and hold on.
Plus Pope had a brilliant season saved them time and time again.
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:34 PM
Comment #35Well said both of you. I have to admit I am a bit disappointed with our style this season. It looks too much like hoofball. And some of the hoofing looks like panic. We’ve got to settle down and paly some nice carpet ball, using the midfield. But most of all we need the bald wizard back…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:36 PM
Comment #36No, it’s fine to make a good point Ibiza. I mean what is wrong with A Good Point? I ask you… Harrumph.
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:38 PM
Comment #37Some decent play up the wings in the first half against the Arse but what happened in the second half? We were unsettling them nicely. We should have continued. I think as others have said we need to move Ritchie into Perez’s spot. He needs a closer look at goal. He has probably the best shot on the team and can use either foot. Just a thought for Rafa…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:47 PM
Comment #38I have to admit lads, I’m starting to like Ibiza
‘s idea of a second point…. It’s growing on me now. Yes, I can almost picture it in the table. Let’s work on that a bit more…
GeordieTwo
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:48 PM
Comment #39I’m off for a bit lads. We need to discuss tactics more. I’ll give it a think if you lot will.
RobLeenio
Sep 17, 2018 at 6:49 PM
Comment #40Respect the Point!
If we have two points, can they not have their own individual flags? A flag with ‘1’ on it and another flag with ‘1’ on it. They may look identical but we would know the difference.
That way we could even scale up to 40 flags eventually, each identical and each receiving the same levels of respect