Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is targeting further progression in the Europa League after the Magpies qualified for the final 32 of the tournament on Thursday night.
Shola Ameobi is confident that a full-strength Newcastle team will contend strongly for Europa League glory this season. The striker did however admit that their 2-0 away loss to Bordeaux deserved a blast from manager Alan Pardew.
The Magpies lost to Bordeaux in the final group game of the tournament, but have nonetheless progressed through to the next stage of the Europa League. Newcastle finished second in their group, and have extended their stay in Europe till the next year.
Manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew had fielded a young team against Bordeaux in order to give them a chance to prove themselves and push for a spot in the first team. However, he was frustrated and disappointed by the team’s performance and admitted that they might not get a second chance again this season.
The Newcastle squad has been plagued by injuries and suspensions, and Pardew was hoping to see more from his younger players so that he may assess their promotion to the first team.
Pardew also admitted that he is looking to add more players to the squad in the January transfer window, and hopes that his team can move up the domestic league table in the coming games.
Shola Ameobi meanwhile wants to focus on Europe, and brushed aside the disappointment of the team’s dismal performance against Bordeaux. The striker insists that they are still ambitious about the Europa League and will be targeting further progression in the tournament.
Speaking to reporters, he said:
“There is no excuse, we were not up to speed and it was very disappointing. Our chance to win the group was there and it didn’t quite work out for us. Our inexperience perhaps told in the end the boys chucked in at the deep end and at times that has worked out well for us in Europe. But it was a step too far for the guys.”
“But we are through and we are delighted. We want to make our mark in Europe and this is a great chance to do that.”
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