Archive for tag: Cheik Tiote interview.

Tiote: “I think I’ve improved as a player this season”

May 7th, 2011 | 19 Comments |

Newcastle's Tiote targets even more improvement next season.
Prospered under Nolan's guidance
Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote reflects on his progress this season and looks to improve next season.

Cheik Tiote has had a good season in black and white and seems like the bargain of the century given that we paid FC Twente a mere £3.5m for him.

Tiote would certainly be a contender for my player of the season, although I’d find that a tough call to make this season with Enrique, Colocinni, Barton and Gutierrez also in contention.

To be fair, bearing in mind we have Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling to come back from injury, I don’t think we have too bad a team. There is an obvious weakness up front at the moment, which needs to be addressed urgently in the summer, and we certainly need more depth and cover – particularly if we continue with our dreadful record of training injuries – but I think the basis of decent team is there.

Anyway, Tiote has been reflecting on this season and is looking forward to next season but first he had a special thank you to make to Kevin Nolan:

“Kevin Nolan’s my man in midfield! He’s helped me, and done everything for me.

“I want to say thanks to him for that.”

Clearly Nolan’s influence stretches beyond his 12 goals for the club this season and it’s important that a team has those sorts of leaders. (more…)

Cheik mates in the Newcastle dressing room

February 15th, 2011 | 30 Comments |

Cheik Tiote, Newcastle United
"We do not fear anybody"
Newcastle United’s Cheik Tiote has been talking about the team’s attitude to games and the camaraderie in the dressing room.

Cheik Tiote has undoubtedly been one of the stars of the season and, whilst fears abound that he might be sold in the summer, he speaks highly of the team spirit at the club and the relationship between the players.

Tiote believes Newcastle fear no team and can even aim for a 6th or 7th place finish:

“We do not fear anybody. Birmingham is our next game and we go there to win.

“I don’t think there is a team to be scared of in the Premier League.

“Maybe we can finish higher – sixth or seventh? We have to work together and keep playing well.”

He then goes on to praise the togetherness of the squad:

“Everybody here is close. We are all good friends and that is not the same at every club. We work together and have the same hard-working mentality within the group. (more…)