Hughton: I never doubted Argentinian players

Feb 12 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton says he never doubted Argentinian pair Fabricio Coloccini and Jonás Gutiérrez’s commitment to Newcastle United after relegation.

As two of the highest-profile and highest-paid signings of Kevin Keegan’s second spell as Magpies manager, and with a World Cup to aim for, it was widely assumed Coloccini and Gutiérrez would return to the Continent as soon as demotion was confirmed last summer.

But once Hughton got the go-ahead from owner Mike Ashley to keep those players who wanted to stay, he was confident neither would jump ship. Coloccini in particular has thrived since.

“When we didn’t know who would be coming and who would be staying he was one that because he was an international we weren’t sure if he would be here or not, but he was one we definitely wanted to keep,” said Hughton of the centre-back.

“The only reason I hadn’t assumed he would want to go was because he’d shown no signs of it. Probably him and Gutiérrez are seen as a pair and if one went, maybe both would. But they both showed a great desire to be here.”

Coloccini’s value has been highlighted by his injuries, which have coincided with some of Newcastle’s worst performances. A case in point was Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Derby County, which the 28-year-old missed with a slight hamstring problem, along with Steven Taylor and José Enrique.

“Mike Williamson’s done very well, as has Fitz Hall in the two games he’s played,” Hughton argued. “But if I look at what has been our regular back four there’s been three players missing. At any

club at any time you wouldn’t want to be missing what you regard as your most consistent players.” That Coloccini – expected back at Swansea tomorrow – is now one of those is testament to his character.

“When a team’s not doing so well like last year as a central defender it’s even more difficult because you’re going to be under a lot of pressure,” said Hughton.