Newcastle United manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew has hit back at remarks that claim the team’s dip in form is down to his new 8-year contract extension at St. James’ Park.
The manager has hit back at the critics who claim Newcastle’s dip in form and poor performances can be traced back to his contract extension with the club.
Following last season’s impressive 5th place finish, Newcastle had emerged as everyone’s favourites for a top 4 finish in this year’s Premier League campaign. Pardew’s achievements last season earned him numerous plaudits and a Manager of the
Year Award.
It also led to an astonishing 8-year contract extension for him and his coaching staff, which ties them with the Tyneside club for the foreseeable future.
However, this season has not reaped rewards for the club, and has seen them drop from top 4 contenders to potential relegation battlers.
The Magpies have dropped down to 14th spot, with only 2 wins in their last 10 league games and 17 points to their name; leaving them with only a margin of 2 points above the relegation zone.
Alan Pardew admits that his team are struggling, and he has had to face a lot of pressure as the club competes on three fronts, including the Europa League.
This dip in form followed the contract extension that Pardew and his backroom staff were offered in September, and many journalists and pundits have claimed that this is the primary reason behind Newcastle’s poor performances.
The 51-year old tactician however insists that this is not the case. Speaking to reporters, Pardew said:
“This is an area fans are getting a bit of misconception about us. Because of the length of our deals, there’s a suggestion we’re not working as hard or something like that – it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
“You actually work harder in these periods. It’s not a question of security or money, it’s about winning. We want to win. We are hurting, all of us. Are we working as hard as we were? Yes. You don’t have to work so hard when you have some momentum. When
results are bad, you’re working a lot harder.”
Newcastle host current English champions Manchester City this weekend, and Pardew knows his side face a tough task ahead of them.
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