It’s been a whirlwind week for Miguel Almiron who held a press conference today for the media.
He’s finally been able to get into full training with Rafa and his new teammates and already thinks he’s done some good work already on the training field.
Miguel is very happy at the welcome he has received from the Newcastle fans – but he’s seen nothing yet.
Not sure if Rafa will start him on Monday night at Wolves but maybe he can play initially on the left wing in place of Atsu?
Miguel Almiron – in training yesterday
Here’s some of what he has said today – speaking in Spanish:
“It’s been a hectic week. I’ve had lots of things to sort out but I feel more settled,”
“I’m very, very happy I can train daily. I’ve put in some decent work already on the training ground, which is something I needed.”
“I feel good physically. I’m in good shape. Our pre-season had started with Atlanta [in January] so I got some physical stuff done then, so I’m good, thank you.”
“I think it’s a similar situation to when I made the decision to go to Atlanta,” Almiron replied when asked if Benitez’s presence at St James’ Park played an influence in him joining the Magpies.
“It was a no brainer when Tata Martino said he wanted me at Atlanta. It was the same when I heard of the interest from Rafa Benitez.”
“We all know what a great manager he is, a great person he is, and there was no hesitation about wanting to play for him and the club.”
“It’ll be quite tough. There are big differences in the two leagues,” “The tempo is different – it’s higher tempo and more pressing.”
“It’s a more difficult league, but with the help of my team-mates it’s something I feel I’ll cope with it, and my manager will help me as well.”
“I think it’ll be absolutely great to play here (St. James’ Park); the feeling will be magnificent,”
“I’m really grateful for the way I’ve been welcomed already. I’ve felt the support, kindness and good feelings already.”
“I felt the fans give that to individuals and the whole teams as well. I really can’t wait until I can play for the side here at home as a player.”
The two players we have signed seem happy to be at Newcastle and very keen to improve under the guidance of manager Rafa Benitez.
Now to start off with the two new players with a win on Monday.
Comments welcome.
68 comments so far
Bambams
Feb 8, 2019 at 7:40 AM
Comment #41*him
cyprus
Feb 8, 2019 at 7:53 AM
Comment #42Nicky
I like your attacking formation there! But I think Rafa will find a starting place for Ritchie. I believe Shelvey will not feature much, which is fine by me. We have good replacements there.
If Almiron is the real deal, he’ll be the link up we’ve been missing: Creativity, ability to see and create spaces, attack, even goals. He may give Perez a freer role, which may help his development.
I think we’ll stumble to the finish line, though would be very very happy with a tenth place. I’ll be thrilled with the latter PLUS with football we can be proud of.
cyprus
Feb 8, 2019 at 7:56 AM
Comment #43PS. Everyone’s eyes will be on Almiron. It would be nice if the ‘other guy’ is a revelation (too), coming in from under the radar.
cyprus
Feb 8, 2019 at 7:58 AM
Comment #44Second PS. Let’s give Almiron a bit of a chance. We’ve crucified talented new players in the past, too quickly, sold them off, and they went on to bigger and better pastures.
Mindshaft
Feb 8, 2019 at 7:59 AM
Comment #45Kennedy wasn’t that good last season – he maybe had 3 decent games , time to get rid and clear a squad spot
Wayayman
Feb 8, 2019 at 8:18 AM
Comment #46Bambams thanks for posting that link. Everyne needs to see that, Ed should consider making that an article on it’s own as it sums up the ‘them and us’ attitude perfectly
It’s absolutely typical of the attitude of the club that Charnley would act that way – the bloke was asking valid questions and not being arsey about it or aggressive. Been saying it for ages, Charnley is in this deeper than he wants us to think. The (relatively) small salary he’s on is topped up with the other 30+ companies tied to NUFC he is director of. That also answers the takeover question as no doubt Ashley is not selling what he bought – it’s split into so many different off-shoots that any due diligence would bring up an accounting nightmare. No wonder interested parties are walking away.
DubaiMicky
Feb 8, 2019 at 8:25 AM
Comment #47On a lighter note, have a read of these from True Faith,
What’s the most random #nufc conspiracy theory ?
There’s been some belters over the years
Personally I’d go for Pardew only getting the job as allegedly he owed Llambias huge sums of money after gambling in one of his casinos :-
https://twitter.com/tfNUFC/status/1093149847404851201
Jib
Feb 8, 2019 at 8:52 AM
Comment #48Mindshaft
Kennedy wasn’t that good last season – he maybe had 3 decent games , time to get rid and clear a squad spot
You do know the window is closed ?
Optimistic Panda
Feb 8, 2019 at 8:54 AM
Comment #49Dubai@47
For me it’s
Ashley wants the best for Nufc
Bambams
Feb 8, 2019 at 8:58 AM
Comment #50Wayayman
That was my thought, he just didn’t even acknowledge the bloke, even if he had turned and said I am not able to speak to you fella about private matters but yes he does pay, or he could if shown a bit of humour and mentioned ‘what SD advertising ‘… Just don’t ignore your customers.
To me the fact he refused to even speak suggested two things, he was scared (I know not how big the bloke was) or secondly it was ‘ Rumbled, let’s get away from here as quickly as possible ‘
I think he is just as bad as Ashley, complicit in every way, just a yes man.
Someone mentioned Ash should bring in Kenyon now as a CEO, would not be a bad move at all.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:09 AM
Comment #51Seriously Bambams? Bringing in a guy who it looks very much like has been complicit in the last few months of a takeover bid.
Bambams
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:13 AM
Comment #52Jail
There is that, I cant argue until we hear exactly what has been going on.
I don’t think we can use the word complicit just yet given the NDA but in time we might fella.
I maybe should of said a CEO like him, I was repeating what I read on some social media outlet that Kenyon would be better than Charnley.
But yes I see your point mate.
Maybe when Ash gives his update we might know more !
Jib
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:13 AM
Comment #53I think most folk would blank a stranger on a dark street
The guy started off saying “all respect”
Then later compared him to Joe Kinnear and insulted him
about his salary
I’m with Charley on this
There’s some weird dangerous people out there
Jib
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:14 AM
Comment #54Charnley even
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:16 AM
Comment #55Jib,
Indeed Jiblets!
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:24 AM
Comment #56As if Rafa didn’t have enough on his plate with our narcissistic owner insisting on running things his way in his kamikaze way. After seeing the damage it done to the team last year when a takeover was announced, the blundering oaf announces a possible takeover just as the team start to regain a bit of confidence.
Bambams
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:24 AM
Comment #57Jib, Jail
I cant blame the bloke for asking him, once he failed to answer yes the bloke did try to get a bite and used a different technique – maybe insulting yes.
Charnley is the CEO and I still think he could of replied.
Maybe public speaking is not his thing, maybe he is just a frightened little mouse.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:27 AM
Comment #58What purpose did it serve Ashley making that announcement other than free publicity to the detriment of the team.
Mag :P
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:30 AM
Comment #59Morning fellas.
Quick question.
Who would you say has been our player of the season so far?
For me I’d have to say rondon with schar second.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:32 AM
Comment #60Bambams,
If he answered the questions put to him in a regular statement to the fans people wouldn’t feel the need to question him in the street.
Bambams
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:35 AM
Comment #61Jail
I totally agree, normally I would agree with what Jib said about dark street and stranger talking to you, but Charnley must realise he is part of the problem and people/fans want answers.
Even the fans forum minutes are sanitised !
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:45 AM
Comment #62Bambams,
That fans forum is nothing short of a joke and it’s members too. They should have all packed it in when the NUST got banned for publishing those minutes early
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:47 AM
Comment #63Mag P,
Apart from his couple of howlers I’d say Dubravka was our best player so far.
Mag :P
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:50 AM
Comment #64Jail
See I would agree but those howlers have cost us a few points unfortunately.
He’s definitely up there as one of our most consistent performers though.
the ledge
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:50 AM
Comment #65Charnley didn’t answer because he knows everything that supporter said was true that’s why he didn’t open his gob.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:51 AM
Comment #66Mag P,
It always seems so pointless talking about the formation of the team or who the best player is when we’re continually at the centre of the circus created by our despicable owner, we do it anyway because we’re football fans. Why can’t we be ran like any other PL club.
Jail for Ashley
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:51 AM
Comment #67Mag P,
They’ve cost us two points.
Bianconeri
Feb 8, 2019 at 12:54 PM
Comment #68” GS
You having a pop at one of our finest creative writers !
No matter if it’s a Chuck Norris theme at moment he brings a Joy to the blog.
I doubt he is using Chuck Norris gags as he is so creative and inventive he won’t need to.”
that made me laugh out loud.I guess boring attracts boring 🙂 🙂 🙂