By Tyne-Talk
September 21 2010

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has spoken out ahead of tomorrow nights game against Chelsea, confirming what the fans already knew, that Premier League survival is the top priority but success in the cups would be nice.

He told Sky Sports;

"You go to bed the night before hoping they can't play! Actually, it's the complete opposite. Although it's a Carling Cup game, which is away from the pressure of the league, these are the games you want to be involved in, these are the games you want the players to be involved in.

With all due respect to the other teams, going to your Old Trafford's and your Stamford Bridge's and your Emirates', they are the really tough competitive games that you want the players to be involved in.

It's one more to look forward to than to fear - and, of course, there isn't that pressure on us. I don't think people expect us to win, so we go there without that pressure."

He added;

"I don't think it would be unfair to say it is not the biggest of our priorities, but we very much have respect for this competition and even more so, a respect for Chelsea Football Club, who have started the season so well.

We will make sure we put out a side that's capable of coping very well with them. You are always concerned up against a top-quality Chelsea side who are scoring goals for fun, and certainly with the home record they have got.

But you have also got to have faith in the squad you have and the abilities we have. We will make sure we go there with a side which is capable of getting something."

Talking about his options for tomorrow night’s game Hughton said:

"We are fortunate. With the newer players who have come in, Tiote and Ben Arfa, playing on Saturday, it has increased the squad we have.

There were also what we regard as first-team players who didn't participate on Saturday, which has given us a bigger squad to chose from, and I certainly will be using that squad to good effect."

CC MATCH PREVIEW/STATS/THREAD: CHELSEA V NEWCASTLE UNITED HERE

Hughton: We Respect This Cup - Pre Match Interview

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 21/09/2010 18:42

TyneTalk
21/09/2010 18:42

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