NEWCASTLE BOSS Alan Pardew has warned his players they will be fighting for the pride of the Premier League as they attempt to secure their European passage.
The Magpies face Greek side Atromitos in Athens tonight in the first leg of their Europa League play-off, their reward for a fifth-place finish in last season’s top flight.
However, Pardew knows that will count for little if they do not take the opportunity to book an extended stay on the European stage.
Speaking at the Peristeri Stadium, he said: “For Atromitos, it’s a big game for them – we are a big scalp for this team, we are under no illusions about that. We have the utmost respect for the club and for the manager, and also the people, who have welcomed us today in a really lovely manner.
“But we must look upon ourselves as ambassadors for the Premier League. We believe it’s the strongest league in Europe, and we need to replicate that in terms of the performance we put out.”
Newcastle arrived in Greece with several big names conspicuous by their absence, among them skipper Fabricio Coloccini, midfielder enforcer Cheick Tiote and striker Demba Ba.
All three are carrying minor injuries and with a quick turn-around ahead of Saturday’s tough trip to Chelsea, Pardew decided to leave them on Tyneside as he attempts to juggle the competing demands on his squad.
The absence of some of Pardew’s regulars could open the way for the likes of youngsters Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano, although the manager was giving little away.
Atromitos finished fourth in last season’s Greek Super League and will be no pushover on their own park. Coach Dusan Bajevic knows his team will need a positive result to take to Tyneside next week if they are to stand a chance of progressing.
Meanwhile, Pardew revealed that he has admitted a Football Association misconduct charge after pushing assistant referee Peter Kirkup during Saturday’s 2-1 league victory over Tottenham.
He had until 4pm yesterday to respond to the FA, and confirmed, as he had indicated in the immediate aftermath of the game, that he would not fight the charge.
He said: “We have to do the procedure that has to take place and we are following that through.
“We are doing a letter on my call on what I thought happened at the weekend. But we have pleaded guilty and we will go to see the FA and see what punishment is going to come to fruition.”
