Krafth: This club is heading for the top six but it will not happen overnight
EMIL SEES BRIGHT FUTURE FOR TOON
NEWCASTLE United star Emil Krafth believes the Magpies must continue to go step by step in their quest to reach the top in the Premier League.
The Swedish international full-back signed a new contract this week in Portugal, the 27-year-old ecstatic with the offer from Eddie Howe.
It is all a far cry from Krafth’s early days on Tyneside as he adapted to life in the Premier League - not to mention the days of fierce fan protests under the management of Steve Bruce and unpopular owner Mike Ashley.
Now, though, Krafth can look forward to the future.
Speaking about his new deal and comparisons to then and now, Krafth said: “What can I say? I came to a club where the supporters were not really happy so I am very happy for the club that the takeover went through.
“Since then it is only going uphill. I hope we can continue and build for the future.
“In the near future Newcastle are going to be a top-six club in the Premier League but it is not going to happen overnight. It is going to take some time.
“As players, we want to play at the highest level.
“I hope and really think the club is going to be there in a few years.”
Krafth also stated that Howe’s playing style, with a more attackminded 4-3-3 formation for the most part, suits him better than the back five Bruce rolled out for most of his career.
He admits the mood in the city since the takeover has been nothing short of fantastic.
Krafth added: “I think a big part of it has been the takeover and the coach.
“Eddie Howe really believed in me and the way he wanted to play suits me, like pressing high.
“The way we play, and how the coach believes in you, gives you confidence.
“It can for any player. It is not just me.
“You see more and more players at the club have raised their levels as well. I am one of them.”
Krafth’s contract was arguably won during Kieran Trippier’s injury absence with a foot injury when the Swede played some of his best football since signing for the club from Amiens in France.
The defender, now signed up until 2024, said: “I am very happy to stay at Newcastle.
“I think I played really well last season.
“After Tripps was injured the boss gave me the chance and I think I took it.
“I think I deserve to have an extension. We had a good talk, the club and my agent and I. “I am very happy we found a solution.”
United went into their double-headed weekend against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Benfica.
Krafth looked back on the loss but also looked forward to the two tests against Serie A and La Liga opponents. Speaking yesterday, he said: “I think it was a good test for us.
“Benfica are a good side, playing at home with their fans behind them.
“We did not deserve to loseand in the first 20 minutes of the second half we were dominating them, pressing high and winning the ball back.
“We deserved to score one or two goals in the second half as well but it is small margins.
“In the end we had a red card and had to defend a little bit more and they scored a goal.
“Overall I think it was a good test for us.
“It is good for us to now have two home games before the Premier League starts.”
As players we want to play at the highest level. I hope and think the club is going to be there in a few years Emil Krafth