‘Angry’ McClaren demands Newcastle response

The Magpies crashed out of the Capital One Cup as they lost to Sheffield Wednesday last night, and head into the weekend in 19th position in the table and without a Premier League win to their name. “We apologise to you for this”.

It will be interesting to see how many takers there are for Aarons’ services and how he does out on loan. This is not a game that we would expect to win, and for that reason McLaren cannot be properly judged on the result. Despite their upturn in form, Chelsea go into Saturday’s fixture sitting 15th in the Premier League and a full eight points off first-placed Manchester City. We created some problems during the match for the defensive part of the Newcastle team. Everyone has been clamoring for change – that’s what we’re doing and that’s why we’re here.

Asked why it is not working, McClaren said: “It’s hard to put your finger on, but we have to find it”.

“Newcastle had more of the ball, we know, but we picked these players to show a different face in relation to the last three matches”.

Carlisle, the lowest-ranked team in the competition, took Liverpool to penalties at Anfield after the game finished 1-1 following extra time, Derek Asamoah having cancelled out Danny Ings’ 23rd-minute opener.

“Whilst you may be exhausted of hearing this, I believe, as we have said from the start, all of this rebuilding and reshaping isn’t something that can happen overnight; it will take time to see the benefit of the changes we made during the summer”.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa misses his first league game since being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association.

I, for one, did not think Newcastle would make much progress at all this season and felt we would be safer than last season which for me was enough of a progression in terms of what the current management are attempting to change.

For at least a couple of seasons now we have struggled with a squad incapable of making any real progress in domestic competitions more often than not flirting with relegation. We can not lose matches, we can not be below expectations, we have to reach our objectives. Same again. Then they beat Juventus, and they went on to win the German league. “He is very keen to play but needs to curb his enthusiasm”. “They gave 100 per cent, so I am very happy with them”.