Newcastle United DNA could see Magpies better Sir…

Newcastle United DNA could see Magpies better Sir Bobby Robson's class of 2002

Nikos Dabizas feels that the current Newcastle United side could prove to be even better than the class of 2002 under Sir Bobby Robson.

The ex-Newcastle star was part of the squad in 2002 and 2003 when the Magpies qualified for the Champions League. Dabizas was in the line-up on the famous night in Rotterdam when Feyenoord were beaten 3-2 and Newcastle made it into the next phase.

But when comparing Eddie Howe's team to that of Sir Bobby Robson 21 years ago, Dabizas can see a much steely defensive rearguard and believes the current side have more balance. United surprised many pundits in 2002 when they finished fourth and Dabizas has reflected on the difference between the two teams.

Dabizas told Chronicle Live: "Yes it was a surprise but speaking in football terms, the big achievement for the current staff is that they have set the DNA of the club. They have an attacking mindset this year but have used a balanced game plan.

"Newcastle has the best defensive record in the Premier League and Nick Pope has the record for most clean sheets. Back in 2002 under Sir Bobby Robson, we did not have these numbers.

"We were a different team going forward and there was not so much of a tactical approach. It was based on strong characters in the dressing room and our individual qualities as players. Now it is different. The club is very balanced in their defensive approach and of course it is paying off.

"The recipe for success has been that they are balanced defensively and not conceded too many. When you are conceding goals it upsets the balance and you end up taking more risks, sending more players forward, you leave gaps.

"We had that bond in 2002 and the togetherness. The atmosphere around the club is very vibrant and positive now so that is the main similarity that I identify with this season and 20 years ago."

Getting to the Champions League in 2023 would not only boost club coffers significantly but also give Howe and his coaching staff the chance to pit their wits against the best coaches in the world. Dabizas is eager to see history repeat itself.

Dabizas said: "It is a different feeling playing in the Champions League. You are seeing and learning different cultures and seeing the different stadiums.

"You see a different way of playing and you need it. Going to Barcelona and Juventus or Bayer Leverkusen, it was different and you want to compete with the very best.

"Now, I think the club are showing that they deserve something like it again. Back then in 2002 we were very successful and very positive about the way we did things on and off the pitch. I hope it can be the same story again."

Dabizas, who wrote himself in to Geordie folklore by heading home the winner in the Wear-Tyne derby in 2002 on the way to Europe, studies Newcastle's form closely more than two decades since last playing for the club. He is one of the most familiar faces in Greek football to the modern generation too.

The former Newcastle centre-back said: "I am now doing punditry in Greece, our version of Match of the Day. On Greek TV we have Match of the Day on a Sunday so it is similar to Alan Shearer or Ian Wright.

"I am occupied with that now and have been doing that for two seasons. I am keeping myself busy. It is interesting analysing for games in the Greek League and commenting on football matters in general."

Newcastle United DNA could see Magpies better Sir Bobby Robson's class of 2002

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