Alan Shearer’s ‘correction season’ claim as he outlines Newcastle’s next steps to move up a level
Newcastle United are way ahead of schedule and the reality is that this season was always going to be a ‘correction’ campaign for the Magpies. That is the view of Newcastle’s record goalscorer Alan Shearer, who feels his former side need to improve their playing staff to move towards the ‘next level’. United were knocked out of Europe on Wednesday after a 2-1 defeat to AC Milan meant they finished bottom of a group that also contained Borussia Dortmund and PSG.
But Newcastle[1] were far from disgraced and Shearer[2] feels it was a reminder that last season’s fourth placed finish meant they were ahead of schedule in their plan to establish themselves as one of the best teams in England, as well as Europe. “It was amazing. The atmosphere was just brilliant again and it was great to see everyone out with their flags and scarves and in great voice,” Shearer told the Rest is Football podcast.[3]
“They made a really good start. The first half was pretty tight and Joelinton got his goal and it was a great strike. But they got a bit schooled I think.
It was so open the second half and it just wasn’t meant to be. “Hopefully it will be a great learning curve for them. It’s been a great few months with loads to talk about and from where Newcastle were to where Newcastle are now, even just talking about nights against AC Milan and PSG and Champions League nights, it has been amazing.
“Hopefully that has given everyone inside the club a taste for what can be and what the future will be but people now will have to be patient because we also need to remember Newcastle are way ahead of schedule. “I think this season was always likely to be a correction season which is why I said if they finish fifth it would be a remarkable achievement. It is what it is and they have to get back to Saturday and the game against Fulham and then Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
“We just have to have a bit of reality.” And when asked how Newcastle can take the next step towards establishing themselves at European football’s top table, Shearer offered a frank response. “Ultimately, they are going to need better players, but it has happened so quick for Newcastle, hasn’t it?
No one expected them to get in the top four last year and because of that, there has to be a bit of realism. “I’m not suggesting there is from Newcastle fans because I think there is and I think there will be patience, because they are way ahead of schedule. I just hope they are not a victim of their own success in terms of that because it has happened so quickly.
“There is no way that two years ago you would have said Newcastle are going to be playing PSG, AC Milan and all these great games in the Champions League – you would have said no chance, far too quick.
But it has happened and it’s a reality, but to get to that next level, you are going to need better players.”
References
- ^ Newcastle (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Shearer (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Rest is Football podcast. (go.skimresources.com)
- ^ Newcastle United rocked by Harvey Barnes ‘setback’ as foot operation considered (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Everything Eddie Howe said on injury setbacks, transfer clauses & more at Newcastle press conference (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)