Enrique: Top stars won't be interested are faced with drop in Magpies if they
CLUB ‘WILL FIND IT SO HARD TO RECRUIT’
JOSE Enrique is doubtful whether his old club Newcastle United will be able to attract marquee signings in the January window.
The new Toon owners will have their first crack at transfers from January 1 when the window swings open for business and the club will start their new approach when it comes to recruitment.
In previous years Newcastle have tried to scrimp and save during transfer windows, much to the frustration of the Geordie faithful.
Now, though, comes a different test as the powers-that-be look to improve the team and ensure they can fend off the threat of relegation as early as possible.
Enrique said: “It is difficult for Newcastle.
“They have one month nth before the transfer window nstarts and it is certainly harder to attract top players to come to a club which is several points behind the rest.
“To a club where relegation is a possibility in reality.
“So, a lot depends on n how December goes for them and hopefully last weekend’s win will push them forward.
“It is important Newcastle are still in touch with the clubs around them - that will allow them to make a case to bring in good players who can help them get away from their difficult situation.”
Enrique blasted former owner Mike Ashley and feels very little changed at St James’ Park from the day he quit to join Liverpool in 2011 to the present day. Speaking about the clu club’s fans, the fullback added: “They deserve everything because the fans are incredible.
“I know how frustrated they have been and I was frustrated myself when I played there. “When renewing my contract I had doubts because we were selling very important players and I was told no-one was coming in. “That was the reality and it has been the reality ever since I left the club.
“I played five years at Liverpool and I have been retired five years and nothing changed at Newcastle in that time.
“So I am really, really happy for the city and for the fans.
“Now they have money they have to assess.
“They are going to buy good players but it is not just about that.
“They need to put the club in the right direction and have the rightmanager, who I believe they have now. They also need to approach the right kind of players.
“Do they go for big names or do they target players like Saint- Maximin, the kind who have the desire to prove themselves as top players? “You look at Manchester City and they went for Yaya Toure and Robinho and that worked for them - but maybe it is better to go the other way.”
They will buy good players but it is not just about that. They need to put the club in the right direction Jose Enrique