Newcastle United was defeated in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, but pundit Micah Richards praised Toon supporters for their ‘absolutely brilliant’ performance at the end of the game.
Eddie Howe‘s Newcastle was trailing 2-0 in stoppage time and on the verge of defeat, and the fans inside Wembley were all waving flags in support of the team. It was a fantastic visual and a fitting tribute to the players who worked so hard to reach the final.
Many people within the club were moved by what the supporters did.
The owners have spoken about how incredible it was, and defender Harrison Ashby has also expressed his admiration.
Once the full time whistle went, most Toon fans stayed in the ground to applaud the players and sound their appreciation while Man United celebrated at the other end of the pitch. It showed how much getting to the final meant to the supporters.
Now former Manchester City player Micah Richards has had his say, and believes that it shows the fans are being realistic.
Richards discussed Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester United on BBC Five Live’s The Monday Night Club.
“Newcastle United are on track to get to where they need to go, and they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished so far,” he said.
“I think the next step is going to be expectation levels, you have just got to be realistic and I think Newcastle fans are being realistic. When you look at how many fans stayed and clapped the players at the end, it was absolutely fantastic to see.
“The thing is with Newcastle that when you need to look at your bench, I know they brought Isak on, but when you are bringing on – and no disrespect to a Ritchie or Jacob Murphy – and Man United are bringing on Sabitzer and Sancho, if we are being honest about the situation they are potentially two top players and two very good players. The difference is going to be a little bit different.
“I think Newcastle to be where they are and what they have achieved so far is successful anyway. Top ten and a cup run is fantastic. The next step will be the one, because they have advanced to the point where they are a very good team, but you need more players who can take you to the next level without disrespecting the old one.
“That’s not nice; it’s difficult when players arrive in every transfer window to take your place, but competition is what makes the team better, and I believe that’s what Newcastle and the next stage will require.”
Newcastle’s time will come
Richards is right. There is a lot of realism with most Newcastle fans. Just getting to a final at Wembley was an achievement in itself. Of course, it would have been amazing to win but it just wasn’t to be.
According to the 34-year-old, there was only a minor schism between the two sides. Man United had more options to bring on, as well as a wealth of big-game experience. In contrast, it was most likely the most important game ever for most of Eddie Howe’s players.
But they did the club proud, and it will only fuel their desire to do better in the future. That is the following step in this project. We’ve already reached a final, but the real challenge is winning one.
It remains to be seen when that occurs, as winning trophies is extremely difficult. Man United won the Carabao Cup for the first time in six years on Sunday, which is a long time for a club like them.
The wait for Newcastle continues, but the future looks bright with both the club and the fans pulling in the same direction.
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