By Tyne-Talk
February 22 2014

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said ahead of tomorrow's game against Aston Villa that he will welcome Loic Remy back after the striker served a three game ban but that he has had to remind all his players that recent performances have not been good enough. Villa manager Paul Lambery however is hoping to rely on the fans becoming "edgy" to unsettle the team allowing his side to take full advantage.

He said; 

I think the expectation levels will be on Newcastle with the crowd and the club that it is. They've been beaten pretty heavily in their last few home games which isn't like them, because they've been pretty consistent. Alan's done a great job there and it'll be a tough game. But we also know that if you can get on the front foot the crowd might become edgy.

I think any club with a big fan-base, especially at home, they come expecting you to win and if things go against you, you can hear the grumblings and the moans and such.

But you've got to be a big enough player to take the ball in any situation. You can never be frightened by it. It's something you have to be able to live with and be able to handle that pressure.

Sometimes it can get to you. Some players can handle it but if it gets to you, it becomes tough. I'm not so sure it's a 'good' time to go there. It's always a tough game there. Always. We're playing very well away from home, I think we've picked up 17 points away, which is an incredible amount.

We know we can cause trouble there. We've got to get that crowd against them and if we can do that then we've got a chance."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said;

"Obviously, I've got to pick a side which I think will beat Aston Villa. It's never been a headache for me to pick a team – I really don't have that issue. I've changed tack with one or two players in terms of what I think they need to do to pick their season up again.

Most of the players have been terrific for me this season. But this last run hasn't been good enough, and I have to react to that. I thought it was important to remind them of the responsibilities they have.

No matter how comfortable we are in the league, there are certain standards. I made that clear. One thing that is for certain is that Loic will return. He's an important factor in the way we've played this year. To have him back has been a big lift for everybody. He, in himself, has got a lift. There's a freedom to him."

MATCH PREVIEW/STATS/THREAD: NEWCASTLE UTD V ASTON VILLA

What the managers had to say: Pardew v Lambert

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 22/02/2014 16:36

TyneTalk
22/02/2014 16:36

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net