Pardew: 'We Don't Have A Euro Excuse Tonight'

Alan Pardew - whose side were beaten 2-0 at Bordeaux on Thursday night in the Europa League - is grateful for the extra day's preparation the TV scheduling has given him.

Alan Pardew: “The Europa League’s had no impact on us this week because of the extra day.

“That extra day is massive – huge. If fans don’t understand how important it is, they have to trust me.

“My stats tell me everything I need to know about my players. They can’t physically reach that level with two and a half days rest.

“Extra rest gives us an opportunity, and I protected the team on Thursday – there’s no doubt about that.”

Source: Newcastle United Mad