ICYMI: DE ZERBI READY FOR ‘PHYSICAL’ NEWCASTLE AS GOMES ADMITS MATCH WILL BE ‘SPECIAL’
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi kept it succinct when discussing The Magpies’ strengths in his pre-match press conference earlier.
“Newcastle is a very strong, very physical team,” the ex-Brighton coach told reporters in France. “It will be a difficult match, like all the others. There are four matches left, and we can take points from each one.”
Meanwhile, England international Angel Gomes is relishing the chance to face a team from his homeland.
“It’s always special to play against English teams,” he said. “Growing up in England, these are teams I’ve played against. Having family there, I know they will watch the match.”
Gomes joined Marseille from Lille on a free transfer in the summer and said he is content with his start to life at the Stade Velodrome. “I feel good. I’m still adapting, not to the league but to the team,” he said. “I’m happy and everyone makes me feel at home.”
On Newcastle, he added: “I think Newcastle have always been very highly regarded in England. It’s a big club with incredible fans and an incredible stadium. In recent years, they’ve taken it to another level and they have a very solid team.”