Nico Gonzalez, affectionately dubbed ‘Mini Rodri’ by his former employers, recently completed a remarkable £52 million move to Newcastle United, and the club’s manager, Matthias Jaissle, has expressed his unwavering belief in his potential. The German coach has consistently emphasized the importance of fostering a positive environment for new signings, and this sentiment is evident in his approach to Gonzalez. Prior to his arrival, Gonzalez had been warned about Newcastle’s aggressive midfield tactics and the intensity of their defensive pressure, a stark contrast to his previous experience at Manchester City. Jaissle stressed the need for a ‘long fight’ and explicitly stated that he wanted Gonzalez to be ‘loved’ at the club. The initial welcome for Gonzalez at St James’ Park was remarkably enthusiastic, with supporters chanting his name and creating a palpable atmosphere of excitement. The scene of Gonzalez leaving the sold-out stadium before the 3-2 win against West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup second round was a welcome departure, providing a respite from the pressure that Gonzalez faced after his Manchester City debut. The German’s initial assessment, however, wasn’t entirely positive; he acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to a new league and the intensity of Newcastle’s midfield. However, Gonzalez quickly proved his worth, completing 100 passes during the match and significantly curtailing West Brom’s attacking opportunities. This performance was a significant departure from his previous record, demonstrating a tangible improvement in his ability to contribute to the team’s overall success. Before City’s 4-0 win, Gonzalez had been cautioned about the intensity of Newcastle’s midfield, a warning that was largely ignored by the newly signed midfielder. However, the manager’s assessment of his skillset was pivotal. Kolo Toure, Gonzalez’s former assistant, believes he will benefit significantly from his experience at the Etihad, suggesting that the Spaniard will be able to steal the ball from opponents and read the game effectively. He also highlights the importance of learning from Rodri’s style of play, noting that Gonzalez has developed a capacity to steal the ball and has become a better player by being more proactive in challenging opponents. Gonzalez, who has been a key part of Barcelona’s success, has always valued a robust and well-rounded squad, and his move to Newcastle represents an opportunity to develop further, and his mentality is top. Former Manchester City assistant manager Kolo Toure reiterated this, stating that Gonzalez will benefit from his experience and will be receptive to criticism. He emphasized that the manager should review games individually with the players and focus on the players’ performance, ensuring that they are not just receiving praise but are also being challenged. The manager also emphasizes the importance of players like Gonzalez, who are open to criticism and want to see what they do well and not well. Gonzalez has shown his commitment to improvement since leaving Barcelona, where his professional career started, and has a considerable experience to fall back on. Barnes, a journalist for The Athletic, notes that the manager has already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, indicating a clear strategy to bolster the team’s defensive structure. The club’s future remains uncertain, but the positive outlook surrounding Gonzalez’s arrival suggests that he has the potential to become a key figure in Newcastle’s Premier League campaign. The enthusiasm of the club’s fanbase is palpable, and the expectation is that Gonzalez will quickly integrate into the team and contribute to their success.” , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: BBC Football
