Before starting, you wanted to react to an interview that appeared yesterday
in "France Soir" which had been picked up by the British Press.

Just that I found it amazing when I read that I'd said Newcastle were a club in crisis. If there was a crisis at Newcastle, I can assure you that the first place I'd discuss it would not be the papers. 

I'd talk to the manager and his assistants, you know, the people involved. The last people I'd talk to would be the press, because I know that the English press takes great pleasure in misquoting and misrepresenting. 

Obviously you can imagine the atmosphere at training this morning !! I explained myself straight away and the manager understood. Either way, I'm very sorry to the chairman, manager, my team-mates and the supporters who were affected by what was written in the press.

What happened at training this morning ?

Mr Robson was furious and that's understandable, but he was OK once I'd explained what was going on. I would never allow myself to say such a thing. What's really astonishing is that I'd actually responded to this question right here last week. 

You asked me if I thought there was a crisis at Newcastle after two consecutive defeats and I'd responded that it was only the start of the season and that there was no need to lose our heads and sound the alarm bells just yet. Then the end result is, one week later, I say exactly the opposite. I mean honestly...

Last week, Newcastle beat Sunderland 2-0. This must have been a moral boost before the game with Feyenoord ?

We did a good job on Sunderland and were very confident for the visit of Feyenoord. The only problem was that we just couldn't put the ball away. This defeat changes nothing with regard to our objectives for the group because everyone still wants to do well. 

The Champions League is a great competition, all clubs want to take part and we all want to show that Newcastle are capable of advancing from this group. Its true, next Tuesday,
we're playing against Juventus and it will be another difficult match but you never know what can happen. 

We've lost two, but if we can win the remaining home games and grab a point away, then advancement is not impossible. Either way we'll be going for it to the end.

Its true to say though that zero points from a possible six, isn't a good start.

Mathematically speaking that's very true, we're in a little trouble, but its important to believe. Anything is possible. If we can create chances like we did against Feyenoord, and have a little more luck and success, I think we can we can pull something out of the bag.

You were rested against Dynamo Kiev ten days ago. After playing two straight games against Sunderland and Feyenoord, how do you feel ?

Physically I feel better and better, after a two month lay-off its difficult to get back into a competitive rhythm. I was feeling great against Feyenoord, I worked hard both defensively and in attack and I hope tomorrow to put in a similar performance. We just need a little luck with us. The manager spoke to us this morning and you could really feel the motivation in the team. Speak to you Monday, salut.


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