Reading boss Jaap Stam is in the mood to kick Newcastle United whilst they are down, reports The Chronicle.
The Dutch defender an immense player, one whom I rated highly. His falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson scuppered Manchester United for a couple of seasons and that can be no bad thing.
Now, in his first managerial role, Stam is ready to take on Newcastle and is in no mood for mercy:
“Everybody is expecting a lot from Newcastle.
“There is a lot of pressure on them, which means that normally the other teams who are playing Newcastle can play quite freely and can make it easier for their opponent.
“They will be wanting to win their next game which is with us on the Wednesday.
“We need to look back on their games so far this season, look at the clips and we’re going to go there to try and get a result.”
Reading have won one, lost one which is better than us so far. Even last season’s worst Premier League side Aston Villa have won a game this season and the two defeats suffered this season haven’t been to good sides.
Rafa indicated that he felt confidence is an issue and that’s a worrying sign. Observations that some felt the Championship was beneath them can be dealt with but players losing belief is a bad sign. Or a better way of putting it is not regaining it from last season’s debacle.
The concern is that new players will become deflated and that’s something Rafa needs to guard against. Lose the new guys and who exactly lifts the team? We’ll see in the next few games who the genuine leaders at the club are.
