United must decide what they define as a success
SOLANO: CLUB SHOULD NOT SETTLE FOR AVOIDING RELEGATION THIS YEAR
NOBBY Solano has admitted his concerns at the expectation levels at Newcastle United this season.
This week, United’s current team received the news they would win a shared £4million bonus if they achieve Premier League survival this term.
Yet Solano feels Newcastle should be aiming higher than finishing fourth-bottom and hopes the players will show their hunger.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Solano said: “What can be achieved this season for United? It is hard to see Newcastle keeping pace with the top eight.
“Tthen again, it is not impossible as Leicester City proved two seasons ago.
“I am not for a second suggesting Newcastle could win the league but Leicester showed their hunger and worked hard as a group.
“Their squad was not of the same quality but they achieved the fairytale.
“You can still be realistic and show some ambition at the same time.”
Solano is worried some players will see avoiding relegation as a success – especially after a bonus pot for finishing fourthbottom was agreed.
He went on: “It does boil down to what the owner and managing-director put into the heads of the players.
“What is acceptable? What are the incentives? What is realistic?
“For me, the players need to have more ambition than to finish fourth bottom.
“If they do this season, they will be rewarded.
“I would like to see them pushing for the top 10.”
Newcastle sit in 10th going into the game against Stoke thanks to their win at Swansea.
Solano said: “If you followed the game closely you will see Newcastle did not create many chances at Swansea, the goal also came from a set-piece.
“So they have room for improvement.
“However, Newcastle needed to get a win like that, a hardfought three points away from home against a tough team like Swansea.
“They are a team who are trying to survive in the Premier League so to go there and get that result was great.
“Now I hope Newcastle can carry that confidence on to the next game.
“They know they will have to be a little better against Stoke.
“They will have to play more football and pass it around a bit.
“The team was cautious at Swansea and sat back.
“I know why Rafa went that way because when you fear you don’t have enough quality you want to be safe.
“They won because they defended well and then got a great header from the captain Lascelles to win the game.
“The only other real chance was from Joselu who forced a great save from Fabianski.
“In general we have not seen Newcastle create too much.
“That is why Stoke is a big test for them this year because they will feel they can achieve top 10.
“This makes it a big one for the lads because if they claim a win they will earn plenty of credit.”
With today’s game at St James’ Park nearing a sell-out, club hero Solano reiterated his admiration for the Toon Army.
He added: “Regardless of what happened in the transfer window and behind the scenes, you can never complain about the supporters.
“It was no surprise to me this week when somebody told me the game against Stoke would be a sell-out.
“I just hope he current players understand how big that is and they don’t take the fans for granted.
“The passion and faith of the fans is incredible. Each player has to keep a good relationship with the fans.
“To see players clapping you and supporting you is special and you have to repay them.”