Following last week’s devastating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Sunderland, Newcastle will play host to Mark Hughes’ Stoke City side – who are on the back of knocking Chelsea out of the Capital One Cup.
Ahead of this pivotal clash, Head Coach Steve McClaren talked to the press this afternoon. Here’s a round-up of what was discussed during the press conference:
On Colo’s red card being overturned:
It makes it even worse. It spoiled the game.
We quickly got over the game and reviewed it. The progress you can see.
On Vurnon Anita and the need for consistency:
Vurnon has been great for us. He’s a tough character and the we will need him in up and coming games. We need to be consistent.
On the threat of Stoke City:
We will expect a vibrant, very good Stoke team who have an excellent manager and squad taking the club forward.
We have shown what we are capable of doing. At times our football has been excellent and we are creating chances.
On preparing for tomorrow’s game:
It’s been a good week, very focused and intense. We’ve been reflecting on one of the strangest derbies I’ve been involved in.
We are not feeling sorry for ourselves. If we perform like we did at Sunderland we will win eight or nine times out of 10.
Jack Colback, Tim Krul, Karl Darlow, Manu Riviere and Steven Taylor are all unavailable for selection due to injuries. It is expected that Tiote and Anita will start as the central-midfield pairing.
