Coloccini: 'That Goal Was For Jonas'

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Fabricio Coloccini dedicated his goal at West Bromwich Albion to Jonas Gutierrez, just hours before jetting out to Argentina to see his Magpies teammate and close friend.

Coloccini doubled Newcastle United's advantage at the Hawthorns on Sunday with a thumping close-ranger header, adding to a superb first-half flick from Ayoze Perez which had edged the visitors in front.

It was a rare goal for United's skipper - only his sixth for the Club and his first since September 2011 - and fittingly came at the end of a week in which Gutierrez was given the all-clear from testicular cancer.

Following the final whistle in the West Midlands, Coloccini flew to his homeland to visit his pal, and promised to tell Gutierrez about the amazing levels of support the midfielder has received not only in the North-East, but all over the country.

"I'm very happy to have scored," Coloccini told nufc.co.uk.

"We have had some bad moments but it is important that we enjoy these times. I enjoyed celebrating with my teammates and in front of the fans and, more importantly, getting the win for the team.

"It has been a long time since I score a goal - too long. I can't even remember when it was and it was nice to put that right.

"But I just try to help the team and want to keep us going on this run.

"It has been a very good week for the team and a very good week Jonas too.

"I am going to see him now, to spend a few days with him and give him all the messages of support from his teammates, the staff, the fans and the Club. It will be nice to see him.

"The goal was for him. It has been a great week for everyone."

Sunday's victory was Newcastle fifth consecutive triumph in all competitions and means have now gone six weeks since last tasting defeat.

The Magpies have rocketed up the Barclays Premier League table in the process, while also booking a place in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup, and Coloccini believes a consistent approach to matches has been key to their form.

"We kept the same shape and tempo that we have played with in the last few weeks," explained the centre-back.

"That has been the key to the last few weeks.

"The run we are on is very important to us after the first month of the season we had.

"It is very important for the manager as well, because he had a lot of criticism earlier in the year, so I am pleased for him.

"I am also pleased for the fans because they always stand by us and support us and were brilliant again today."

One key factor in United's revival has been Spanish striking sensation Perez, who has now netted three goals in as many appearances.

Coloccini took the 21-year-old under his wing when the front man arrived from Tenerife in the summer, and is delighted to see him taking his chance at first team level.

"I am so pleased for Ayo because he works hard," explained the Magpies' skipper.

"He is only young and is still learning, but he works so hard, so when things go well it is nice because he deserves it.

"Ayo has a very good attitude, wants to keep learning and be the best and he has done very well so far.

"His goal was top class - it was a great finish. Things like this will help him to improve."