Newcastle United skipper Fabricio Coloccini admitted his side faces an industrious next season which will also see them compete in the Europa League, along with their Premier League commitments.
The Magpies secured a place in the European competition after finishing their 2011/12 league campaign at fifth place.
Given the Toon goes on to make it into the later stages of the Europa League, FA Cup and Carling Cup, they can see their tally of fixtures soar past the 50 mark. Even though Coloccini was delighted to help his side return European football at Tyneside, he
declared he was under no illusions over the busy schedule that they will have to contend with come next season.
He told the club’s official website, “It's going to be a long season, we're going to have a lot of games, so that's why we have to have a good break and a good pre-season, because it's going to be a long year.”
However, the 30-year old advised his team-mates to freshen up during the break, before starting the preparation for the pre-season matches and the Europa League.
He added, “I think now is the time to rest, so that we come back with good energy.”
The Magpies underwent an astounding league campaign last term, which saw them finish ahead of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 in the final standings. They launched an unceasing challenge for a top four spot, but eventually fell short of fourth ranked Tottenham Hotspur
by four points after suffering defeat against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c39043 on the last day. However, they managed to compile 65 points in total, which was their highest league tally in 8 years.
With some people posing questions over the ability of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew’s side to emulate their heroics in the coming term, Coloccini was upbeat about his team’s chances of experiencing a successful season all over again. However, he admitted that they need to
set realistic goals ahead of them and will have to give it their best in all competitions.
He continued, “We have to work hard and then we'll see.”
“We have to keep our feet on the floor - like we did last year - and keep going the same way as we did because I think it's a good way and the correct way.”
Newcastle will play a pre-season friendly match against the Carling Cup runner-ups Cardiff on 11th of August at the Cardiff City Stadium, before kicking of their league campaign a week later. The two teams last met in a Championship match 2 years
ago at the same venue.
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