Mental strength is key to success says Hughton

Feb 5 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“The same characteristics of what’s got us so far are the same ones we’re going to need to maintain it.”

Despite Hughton’s confidence there is no question Newcastle’s performances have dipped in recent weeks, and even he was forced to read the riot act in the dressing room after the goalless draw against ten-men Leicester City last weekend.

“I think it’s the normal emotions that go with the game,” said Hughton when asked why he had been so annoyed by that particular performance.

“At half-time and after every game you have to make decisions on the approach with the players. Is it a game you could have got more from? Have you been

unfortunate and that directs your emotions.

“Leicester was a game where I felt we didn’t play well enough to win, although we put them under a lot of pressure in the last period. I just felt that individually we didn’t do well enough or play well enough.

“You have your highs and lows in every season.

“We’ve also realised that there are games where you play well and don’t get anything from and vice versa. I think it’s just normal. There are good performances.

“We were on the back of a 2-0 win at Palace and I wanted to take that into the Leicester game and we didn’t do that.”

He added: “I don’t have any concerns about our form because I know that form can change on a game by game basis.

“It’s about the opposition, the team that you field, whether it’s very offensive team you’re putting out which can leave you a bit defensively vulnerable.

“And sometimes vice versa. No, I don’t have any concerns about how we are playing.”