Uefa Cup Review Newcastle Out

Not a good night for Newcastle United. Their fans must be wondering if they will ever win another trophy again. What do they have to do? I mean the term “sleeping giant” must have be coined with Newcastle and the Toon Army in mind!

With a 4 - 2 home win secured at St James’ Park they must have fancied their chances of securing a spot in the last eight of the competition and maybe that was the problem. Perhaps they didn’t take AZ Alkmaar seriously enough because they outplayed and outclassed Newcastle and I didn’t think I’d say that. But ultimately, it was the two away away a fortnight ago that saw AZ through.

Understandably, the Newcastle manager, Glenn Roeder wasn’t best pleased to let the lead and the game slip through Newcastle’s fingers and he blamed their defensive errors on not being in the hat for the next round.

Roeder stated, “They are not good goals we conceded. Too often crosses come into our box, they are not defended properly and bad decisions are made.

“I have to find defenders who are good enough to play in front of Shay Given. Shay Given is a is a top drawer keeper but he does not get the protection he should get. He is exposed far too easily.

“Too many defenders make too many mistakes that cost us points.

“They do well, you are happy with them and you think they have learnt. Then ‘bang’ they go and make the same mistake again and let you down.” We did not have enough players who came out and performed, which was a surprise and unexpected.

Told you he wasn’t happy!! Go on Glenn, sing us a song!

Bet it was fun in the changing room after the game! On the other hand, the AZ manager and ex Barcelona boss, Louis Van Gaal, must have been delighted at the way his team played and fought back.

The Soccer Blogger