‘I don't care’ - Anthony Gordon hits back at Newcastle United critics ahead of crunch PSG clash
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Newcastle United latest news: Anthony Gordon has addressed criticisms of his recent performances.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has hit back at criticism of his recent performances ahead of a crunch Champions League clash against PSG.
Gordon and his teammates have travelled to Paris with hopes of qualifying for the Champions League Round of 16. To do that, they know they must defeat the reigning European champions in their own back yard - a feat they were just minutes from achieving on their last visit to the French capital back in 2023 before a last-gasp Kylian Mbappe penalty reduced a point for PSG.
In the middle of an injury crisis, Gordon was forced to play 90 minutes of that game with Howe being forced to name two goalkeepers, Lewis Hall, Paul Dummett and three academy players on his bench.
Anthony Gordon addresses Newcastle United ‘criticism’
Gordon will once again have a pivotal role to play in Paris as he and his teammates strive for a top-eight finish. Only the aforementioned Mbappe, now playing for Real Madrid, and Harry Kane have scored more Champions League goals than Gordon this season.
However, it has been his Premier League form that has received criticism. Gordon hasn’t registered a goal from open play in the league in over a year and the winger admitted he ‘doesn’t have an answer’ for the stark difference between his form in those competitions.
“Very unusual. I don’t have an answer for you unfortunately, it is just one of those things.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
“I am trying the exact same in both [competitions], they’re just going in in the Champions League. I don’t have an answer for you.”
Asked further about criticism of his recent performances and the scrutiny that players experience in the modern game, Gordon added: "I stay off social media... it's not for me. I don't care for people's opinion. Whether they love me or they don't like me, it doesn't bother me either way.
“I think perception sometimes can distort reality a little bit. People’s expectations of me have grew, and rightly so and I’m completely fine with that.
“I know I'm doing the right things every day. I try to do the right things whether I'm flying or not playing so well, I try to do my best and the results sometimes are out of my hands.
“I'm also playing against right-backs who are elite themselves, so I know people expect a lot from me but they’re also quite good players themselves. They get paid quite well to stop me!”
He continued: "I don't mind [the noise surrounding performances]. It’s not personal to me, it’s your job it’s what you’re meant to do and it’s part of trying to be great at something. If you can't take people's opinions, good or bad, then you're probably not meant to be great.
“I think I take it quite well, I don’t take it personal. I’m not a very sensitive person but I try to focus on myself all the time because that's all I can do. The world we live in now, that just comes with the territory. It’s the nature of the beast.”
Newcastle United’s clash with PSG at the Parc des Princes kicks-off at 8pm (UK time) on Wednesday night. 18 other Champions League matches will kick-off simultaneously across the continent as the league phase concludes.