Newcastle's McClaren calls for unity

Relegation-threatened Newcastle is focused on turning around their form as they prepare to face Liverpool, manager Steve McClaren says.

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has called for togetherness ahead of Liverpool's visit in the Premier League on Sunday, and says he has the players at his disposal to get his relegation-threatened team out of trouble.

The Magpies sit second from bottom in the table, with media reports claiming last week that former England manager McClaren sparked a training ground row in an attempt to galvanise his underperforming squad.

That plan backfired as Newcastle shipped five goals against Crystal Palace at the weekend, giving them the division's worst goal difference.

"Nobody is happy here. We've lost the last two games and not played very well. Confidence can go as quickly as it comes," McClaren told reporters at his pre-match news conference on Thursday.

"The next game is always an opportunity to build a performance, get a result and the confidence can come back.

"The fans can be so influential and we need everyone together (on Sunday) no matter what.

"The mood is focused and determined, and we know that we can turn it around with one result because we have good players."

Newcastle welcome a Liverpool side who have scored 14 goals in their past four games away from Anfield in all competitions and McClaren says their newly installed German manager has a clear plan that is beginning to bear fruit.

"Juergen Klopp is a quality coach who I know from Germany. I can see what (Borussia) Dortmund had in the Liverpool team. It's coming."

Newcastle have the added headache of an injury to centre back Mike Williamson, who is set for a scan on a hamstring problem he picked up in training.

McClaren recalled the 32-year-old from a loan spell at Championship (second tier) side Wolverhampton Wanderers this week following an injury to regular starter Jamaal Lascelles.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world