Alan Pardew plays down Newcastle’s chances
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes that his team have much to do ahead of their Europa League last-16 second leg tie with Anzhi Makhachkala, after claiming a 0-0 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium.
The Magpies held the big-spending Russians to a stalemate, with Hatem Ben Arfa spurning a glorious chance to snatch a potentially vital away goal.
Although they will carry a blank canvas into the second leg, Pardew feels that there is still a lot of work to be done, and refused to suggest that his side will carry any sort of advantage into the match at St James’ Park:
“I wouldn’t say we are favourites because they have got good counter-attacking abilities in the team, but it’s going to be a very different game at St James’ Park.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.
The ex-Southampton boss went on to say that he felt Newcastle earned the result and praised stand-in goalkeeper Rob Elliot for his performance:
“We got what we deserved tonight. We came and gave a really disciplined display.
“Rob Elliot had to make two good saves and really and truly, if someone had said that to me before the game I would have taken that. That’s a really good display in the conditions and environment we were in.”
Ahead of their return clash with Anzhi, Newcastle take on Stoke in domestic action.
Pardew believes that a positive result against the Potters will help his team with their European campaign:
“We really need to set it up on Sunday against Stoke. Sunday is something we need to put right.
“If we can get a win there, then I think the mood in our stadium is going to be something that’s going to be very difficult for Anzhi to cope with.”
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