Coloccini just Fab says boss Chris Hughton

Oct 24 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton believes Fabricio Coloccini has shown he has come to terms with the pace of the English game following a series of impressive performances in the Championship.

On one hand, an Argentina international who cost more than £10m just over a year ago should have no problems playing in the second tier of English football.

However, it is normal for foreign players – particularly defenders – to need considerable time to adapt to the frenetic and direct nature of football in this country – and Coloccini has been no different.

Like countryman Jonas Gutierrez and fellow Spanish speaker Jose Enrique, Coloccini has shown a willingness to put last season’s wrongs right by staying to try and help take Newcastle back into the Premier League.

The rebuilding of his reputation is shown by the fact his return from injury is a massive relief for Hughton, and he should be warmly welcomed on his comeback by fans at St James’s Park this afternoon.

“His performances in the games he has played so far this season have been excellent,” said Hughton.

“For large parts of this season he has played in a team which has been a good team and one which has also had quite a few sheets, and as a defender that is what you want to be achieving.

“It takes times to adapt to English football, but Colo has done that.

“Look at the form this season of Enrique, who has been excellent.

“He has very much adapted to the English game and it has shown in his performances.”

Meanwhile, Hughton does not believe there is a correlation between his appointment as permanent manager and Newcastle’s unnerving dip in form.

The Magpies have not won in four games and have scored just two goals in that period as their lead at the top of the table has disappeared.

There are now only three points separating first and ninth place in the Championship, but Hughton remains confident they will quickly be back on track.

He added: “Almost on a regular occurrence you finish a game and you ask what are the other results and often they will come in with so many surprises. That is what we have found so far.

“That is why you have a group of teams at the top, because everyone is capable of beating everyone.

“It is disappointing when you feel as though you could have taken something from the game, as was the case last time round (against Scunthorpe), but once you have recovered from that disappointment you have to re-evaluate where you are in the league table.”