Manuel Pellegrini reveals what he really thinks of Newcastle United's Steve Bruce and Andy Carroll

Manuel Pellegrini insists his remarkable record against Newcastle United will count for nothing as his West Ham United side prepare to face the Magpies.
West Ham manager Manuel PellegriniWest Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini

Pellegrini has never lost a game against Newcastle in his managerial career, but is wary of the threats Steve Bruce’s side could pose at the London Stadium - having hailed the work of the Magpies’ manager.

“I may have never lost a match against Newcastle United, but I don’t think the statistics are important to win the game,” he said, speaking at his pre-match press conference.

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“I think that we must try to play a good game, improving on what we did in the last two games at home.

“Newcastle have played a lot of difficult games against the big teams. They are a team that have had good results, especially playing away like when they beat Tottenham.

Chelsea only beat them 1-0 in a tight game and it was difficult for Chelsea to create chances. Maybe they’ve had some defeats when they had a player less.

“They are a good team with a manager who knows his work and they have good players of the Premier League.”

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Andy Carroll could return for the Magpies in the capital as he stepped-up his recovery in training on Thursday afternoon.

And Pellegrini - who managed the striker during his time with the Hammers - is hoping Carroll can bounce back from his unfortunate bout of injuries.

“I hope that he will be fit because he’s a player who has had so many injuries, unlucky injuries, and he deserves to try to have a normal season,” he added.

“If Andy Carroll is on the bench it will be one more difficult player that Newcastle has, and if he’s not, they have another player who is always a great danger.

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“I think that every player that plays for your team, your fans must react and give him a good welcome. For different reasons, Andy couldn’t stay here but I think that, for different reasons, he deserves the same respect because he defended the shirt of his old fans.”