Archive
Carver: 'My Biggest Challenge'
Written by Newcastle Utd
John Carver admits he is facing the biggest challenge of his fledgling managerial career on Saturday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
John Carver admits he is facing the biggest challenge of his fledgling managerial career to date, as Newcastle United entertain Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The Magpies' head coach has just 13 senior outfield players to select from for the clash against the in-form Gunners, with injuries and suspensions taking their toll at St. James' Park.
But Carver - who has also taken charge of Toronto FC, as well as brief caretaker spells at Leeds and Sheffield United - insists patience will be the key if Newcastle are to record only a second win in seven games.
"I've had some big challenges in the past but this will be one of the biggest," he said.
"It's a big challenge, I understand that and it's my job to prepare the team right to put in a performance that responds to the Everton game (where Newcastle lost 3-0).
"We've battened down the hatches. We realise we are a small group at the moment and it's going to be a difficult time, but the only way you get through these difficult times is by being together, being strong, being upbeat and still having a smile on your face.
"You've got to be careful when you play against sides like Arsenal. We've got to consolidate and make sure we don't concede early, that's for sure.
"Against a good side like this it will be very, very difficult to get the ball. Their possession stats are one of the highest in the division, so they are a good footballing side and they like to play.
"So we are going to have to be patient but we do have one or two things up our sleeve when we get turnovers, and we will try to break them down.
"When we play at home though, we just seem to have a different mentality. I remember coming up against Liverpool at home and Chelsea at home, where we had two great results.
"We didn't put them under pressure - instead we had a nice shape to the team and we played out of the shape. We need to do the same thing."
Arsenal have surged up the top flight table in recent weeks and currently find themselves third in the division, and hot on the heels of second-place Manchester City.
And Carver believes his opposite number Arsene Wenger could be aiming even higher than that.
"They are still in the FA Cup but they've got the Premier League in their sights now," he said.
"They are a point behind Manchester City in second place and I wouldn't be surprised if they are looking at that top spot as well, because Chelsea are having a little bit of a stutter.
"They will be extremely focussed, and with the group of world class players they have, they will push the top two all the way."
Tickets for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture against Arsenal are still available. To secure your seat at St. James' Park, click here.