Colo: "We Have To Improve"

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Captain Fabricio Coloccini pulled no punches in his honsest assessment of Newcastle United's display against Aston Villa, insisting: "We have to improve".

The Argentine international defender was certain that the Magpies' 1-1 draw on Sunday was a case of two points dropped rather than one gained, as they had to eventually rely on Hatem Ben Arfa's screamer for a share of the spoils.

And while Coloccini admits it could turn out to be an important point come the end of season shake-up next May, the centre-back wants the squad to step up another gear after the international break. 

"We lost two points because we were at home, and when we are at our stadium then we have to take three points, especially against teams like Aston Villa," the skipper told nufc.co.uk.

"We will take a point and maybe at the end of the season it will prove to be a very important point. It could be a nice point for us.

"Hatem's goal was great - that is what happens when you have good players like that because in one moment he can change the game. We should have maybe gone on to win, but this happens in football.

"It is not about the players, however, it is about the team and we have to improve.

"If we want to have as good a season as last year then we have to get much better.

"We have got some tough games and months ahead of us and it is important that we get back to where we know we can be."

Due to the international break, which sees Coloccini away with Argentian, United have a fortnight until their next Premier League fixture - a trip to Everton on Monday, 17th September.

And Coloccini is hopeful that the time off could see some of the Club's injured stars return to fitness.

"The squad is quite stretched because we now have Danny Simpson injured, as well as Shola Ameobi, Ryan, Perchy and Cheick," he said.

"These two weeks are going to hopefully be good for some of the players to come back."