‘Chance to work with a legend’

Apr 4 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

PETER Løvenkrands admits it has been impossible for Newcastle United’s player not to get caught up in the frenzy created by Alan Shearer’s arrival as manager, writes LUKE EDWARDS.

Løvenkrands is well aware of Shearer’s legendary status and he is confident his appointment can only be a good thing for the players as they look to avoid the tragedy of relegation.

“When I first heard he was coming, I was very pleased and excited because it meant I would be working under a manager who is an absolute legend in football,” said Løvenkrands, whose future at the club, like his new manager’s, will only be decided at the end of the season.

“I was really surprised, but really thrilled as well to try that. There can be no excuses from here. Now we need to look ourselves in the eyes and know what we need to go out and do to get some points on the board.

“You always hope these things happen. The new gaffer is a legend in England and now it’s up to me to help him as a manager. It’s very exciting and I am really looking forward to it.”

Although Shearer’s presence on the training ground this week has lifted spirits, Løvenkrands insisted the players did not need to be reminded about the gravity of the situation they are in with eight games left to play.

And the Denmark international cannot wait to get the Shearer era started properly when Chelsea are the first to try to overcome a newly- invigorated Newcastle.

He said: “All the eight games we have left are going to be tough, but we all believe we can do it. I certainly think we have the ability and the players to stay up. Every team can beat every other team.

“The way we played against the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal, we played really well but didn’t get the results that we needed. That can all change and hopefully we can play the same way and get the results that we need.

“It’s a massive club and a club like this shouldn’t be fighting relegation.

“But bringing in the new gaffer is a boost for us because of the person that he is.

“He’s an absolute legend and that can help us and that is only going to make it better for us.”