Malick Thiaw says Newcastle United players do not need reminding how important it is to return to winning ways at Crystal Palace today. The Magpies head to Selhurst Park on the back of two successive Premier League defeats and have lost their last two away league games 4-1.
Facing a Winless Eagles Side
Crystal Palace have failed to win in any of their last three matches in all competitions, though they beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 in their most recent home game. Newcastle, by contrast, fell to a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa last time out, managing just one shot on target and looking ragged defensively.
Training Ground Improvements
Thiaw, who has emerged as one of the senior leaders in the group, believes improvement will come with more work on the training ground and a better understanding of Matthias Jaissle's tactics. He has seen a 'step in the right direction' this week already.
"We have not had that much time because we have not had 10 games yet, and if you look at the games it will still be a long season," Thiaw said. "I think we need to make sure we back ourselves on Sunday to win it, and adapt our output tactically and individually as well and do what the coach wants."
Reflecting on the Aston Villa defeat, he added: "If you look at the first half they did better than us. In the second half they had a few opportunities where we didn't have big chances, but had that last pass been a little better, we can create something better. That has happened and it's in the past now so we try to adapt in training and avoid similar situations on stopping the opponents scoring and how we can score. I think we've made a good step in the right direction this week."
Jaissle's Methods Sinking In
Newcastle can climb to sixth or seventh place with a victory today, which would mark a decent start for Jaissle. Thiaw feels the manager's methods are sinking in gradually on Tyneside.
"The longer you work with someone the easier it is," Thiaw told BBC Newcastle. "It's getting easier with time. You understand the person and the manager. Tactically, what he wants is quite clear, but you have to adapt 100%."
Palace's Europa League Trip
Crystal Palace go into the game after a long trip to Istanbul, where they drew 2-2 with Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday. Thiaw knows Newcastle can use this to their advantage.
"Playing Europa League or Champions League then Premier League can be hard," he said. "But we have just tried to have a good week and good training session, trying to focus on what we can do in the game. We will see at the end of Sunday but there is an advantage because one team can focus all week."
