Jose Enrique hopes Newcastle United can qualify for the Champions League - as long as it is not at Liverpool’s expense. The Spaniard swapped Tyneside for Merseyside over a decade ago after four years in a black-and-white shirt.
It was Newcastle who introduced Enrique to English football, signing him from Villareal for around £6million in 2007. Initial performances were underwhelming but Enrique rebuilt in the 2009-10 Championship-winning campaign, earning the club’s Player of the Season award.
Liverpool signed the left-back one year later once he proved his status as a Premier League player. Following his exit, Enrique took a swipe at Mike Ashley and Newcastle, insisting he wanted to join a club fighting for top-six football.
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All four corners of St James’ Park screamed “Jose Enrique, we’re in the top six” just eight months later, with the now 37-year-old cutting a forlorn figure between the sticks. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina had been sent off for clashing with James Perch and the former Magpie - losing 2-0 - was given the gloves.
Perhaps that potent memory is why Enrique would prefer Liverpool to qualify for Champions League football next season. Speaking to Soccer AM, the ex-Toon defender admitted Newcastle are his backup option - should Liverpool fail.
“It’s a transition (Liverpool’s poor season), it happens,” Enrique said. “With the national team (Spain), it is the same. The rebuild in the summer should have been stronger. They should have signed more players in key positions.
“Hopefully they finish in the top four, that’s the aim. If they don’t, I really hope Newcastle do because they deserve it. They’ve been playing really well.
“Sometimes, it is difficult when you have won everything. It can be difficult to have the hunger. You need somebody behind you to push you. In some key positions, Liverpool have been missing that.”
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