Relegation can make us better side - Enrique

Oct 17 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Naturally, two defeats could quickly change that, and Newcastle have two testing away games in quick succession as the trip to Forest tomorrow is followed by a Tuesday night game at Scunthorpe.

It is a hectic schedule which stretches a small squad, but Enrique feels the international break ensures Newcastle resume their promotion push in good shape.

He added: “I think the international break came at a good time for us because we have played a lot of games in a short space of time and it has been hard for many people here.

“We are not used to so many games and it was nice to be able to have a weekend off.

“We were given two or three days off training and everyone will benefit from that as we go into the next few weeks.

“We have three games in eight days, but we are in good shape and everyone is looking forward to playing again.

“I am alright now. I did not play in the last game because I just felt a slight problem with my hamstring and it was better to rest than take a risk with it.

“It was only two days which was a relief. Whenever anyone picks up an injury we hope it is not serious, but I am the only left-back in the squad, so that is a problem.

“We have players who can play there, but it is difficult because it is not their specialist position so it would be hard to do it for a long period of time. Thankfully I am OK.”

With a quarter of the season gone, Enrique is confident Newcastle can continue to lead from the front in the Championship as they adapt to life in English football’s second tier.

He added: “The style of football is similar to the Premier League, just with worse players. It has not taken much to adapt to the way the teams play because it is not too different to what we faced last season.”