‘In it to win it’ - Newcastle United youth coach sends strong message after scaring Barcelona
Newcastle United’s youngsters came agonisingly close to pulling off a three-goal fightback against Barcelona ahead of tonight’s main event.
Newcastle United youth coach Adam Lawrence has vowed his young guns can win the UEFA Youth League after almost stunning Barcelona.
When the Magpies trailed 3-0 at the break, many expected the floodgates to open at Whitley Park. However, goals goal Leo Shahar and Kacey Wooster dragged Newcastle back into the contest.
Seung-soo Park’s second-half introduction provided hope and, when Sean Neave leaped like a salmon in the closing stages, the home crowd believed in a miracle. However, his headed effort inched wide, with Barca hanging on for the three points - but La Masia’s finest know they were in a live one in an entertaining tune-up for tonight’s main event.
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Barcelona ‘hanging on’ at Whitley Park
Speaking to NewcastleWorld post-match, Newcastle coach Lawrence - who arrived from Manchester United in the summer - insisted his players had the Catalans “hanging on” at the death. He said: “In terms of starting the competition and playing against the level of opposition that we did today, probably in some ways no better way to start the tournament really, just in terms of knowing that you're playing against a top side with good individuals.
“There were parts of the first half where I actually felt we were in the game enough. Of course, you know that Barcelona are going to have some amount of the ball and you've got to be good in those transition moments when you do have possession. But obviously, the five minutes before half-time really, really killed us.
“When we reflect on it and look back, that would be the biggest learning, just in terms of managing those moments, going in at half-time, 1-0 down (instead of three) with a bit of work to do but still being in the game.
“My honest feeling is we had them on the ropes towards the end of the game. And you could see by the way that they were celebrating at the end that they were hanging on in there. So I guess that's credit to the boys.”
‘In it to win it’ - Adam Lawrence
Lawrence also dismissed suggestions Newcastle cannot go all the way in the competition. He added: “Listen, we're in it to win it like every club in the competition. You're obviously playing to win. We're trying to win in a developmental way and managing individuals how we feel is appropriate throughout the programme.
“Obviously, we've got under-18 games, under-21 games, either side of these ones. So, it's not always easy to balance the squad and what they're doing before and after. Ultimately, we're trying to showcase our academy and our players against the best in the world.”