PSG’s Marcel Desailly has heaped praises on Newcastle United.
The legendary French World Cup winning centre back was very impressed with Newcastle after they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League group stages.
Playing against a “group of death” in the competition, Newcastle has proven that it can compete against the biggest teams in Europe.
“Everybody will laugh at me if I say Tottenham will make the top four, so I’ll put them aside,” Desailly told Gambling Zone on the Premier League top four.
“I’ll say the same names most are saying.
“I think Liverpool will be up there, but the inconsistency of Man United will cost them. There’s just too much pain there when it comes to the administration level and the players.
“The management of Erik ten Hag is also too strong for the players they have. He doesn’t have the players in his hands – you can tell.
“You can feel that very strongly. That’s why I believe the best management we have today is at Arsenal. Arteta had a very bad season two years ago and almost got sacked a couple of times.
“However, he managed to build up a really nice philosophy and built belief with both the owners and the players. Arteta got the player he wanted this summer and he almost made it last year – but the talent of City was just too strong.
“He’s rebuilt the belief this season, and you could see that in the last twenty minutes of the game against City yesterday. Arsenal were unbelievable!
“They had all the possession and City weren’t able to lift their level and match Arsenal’s intensity. I’ll mention Arsenal, City, and Liverpool. All of those teams operate like diesel – slow, steady power.”
When speaking on Newcastle United, Desailly added: “I have no idea who else will finish in the top-four, but I’m waiting for a surprise. Newcastle were magnificent against PSG, but if you look at the match deeply, you realize that PSG allowed them to express themselves on the highest possible level.
“Luis Enrique made the mistake of going to St James’ Park with four offensive players, none of whom understood the intensity Newcastle planned.
“Howe is a typical English coach with a strong fighting spirit. Nobody was expecting Newcastle to play like that. However, it’s a 38-game season, and I’m not sure how Newcastle can maintain that whilst balancing Premier League and Champions League games.
“They haven’t been in the Champions League for two decades, and suddenly they’re here! I’m not sure about Newcastle, but I was so happy to see them play like they did against PSG.
“That wasn’t supposed to happen, as quality players can play through high presses and opposition teams can’t sustain ninety minutes of pressuring defenses. Despite the result, Newcastle had 29% of the ball. It was an amazing result.”
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