UEFA Cup not in Sir Bobby’s thoughts

Last updated : 11 November 2002 By Martyn Elliott

As things stand a draw is enough for us to qualify for the UEFA Cup, but a win is only good enough for us to qualify for the second phase of the Champions League if Juventus avoid defeat in Kyiv.

With Craig Bellamy expected to be back from injury, after coming through a rigorous training session on Saturday, Sir Bobby will send his team out at the De Kuip Stadium with orders to attack.

"We're going to go for it. We're are going for the win which would give us that chance of more Champions' League football," he told the Evening Chronicle.

"If we lost or drew in Holland we would be kicking ourselves if Juventus won in Kyiv.

"So we are going to be professional and go for it and play to win."

On suggestions that we’d be better off in the UEFA Cup because we’d have a good chance of winning the tournament, Sir Bobby had this to say.

"I don't think of things like that. We're going out to try and win next week's match.

"That's what we want. If something else happens and other results go our way all well and good."

His attitude is in marked contrast to that of Feyenoord coach Bert van Marjwick, who told the Observer: "It’s a pity that already you can say Kyiv will beat Juventus.

"Juventus will take their second team. I asked Marcello Lippi, who I respect very much, to win there. But it’s not natural.

"I think of one thing at the moment and that’s getting in the UEFA Cup."

Sir Bobby is definitely right to go out and try and win the game in Rotterdam, if for no other reason than our defence is not good enough to play for a draw.

It’s a case of supporting both of the teams in black and white on Wednesday night.

Click here to check out Newcastle’s results from on this day in history