The Italy international has lifted the lid on concentration levels ahead of Champions League match night two
Sandro Tonali has issued Newcastle United with a new warning ahead of their clash with Union Saint-Gilloise – insisting that the Magpies must up their game management after throwing away a point against Arsenal.
The Italy international was fuming with his defence as they switched off twice to concede two goals in the dying stages against Arsenal, as Mikel Merino and Gabriel picked the Magpies’ pockets at St James’ Park.
Newcastle will touch down in Brussels today to prepare for a Champions League encounter with Union Saint-Gilloise as Tonali looks for improvement.
Tonali said: “You need concentration, and if your concentration is low, you can concede in two seconds. We know the Arsenal players and we know our team, we conceded two goals which has spoiled everything for the week.”
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Newcastle United continue their UEFA Champions League campaign as they face Union Saint-Gilloise on October 1. Fans can watch the game on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel.
“We knew the Arsenal players. You need to respect Arsenal for the full 90 minutes as they are a great team.”
But looking ahead to the encounter in Belgium tomorrow night, Tonali believes that Newcastle can get things on track again.
The Italian star said: “It is important for us to play soon because we can change our week. We need to put everything into this game and win for the first time in the Champions League.”
Tonali spoke of some difficult conversations in the Newcastle dressing room in the aftermath of the 96th minute defeat against Arsenal.
He said: “It is difficult after this game, in the last five minutes, to lose. But we are professionals and we have to change as quick as possible. We played a good game, especially in the first half. We were concentrated all the time.
“I think it was a good battle in the midfield but we need to have the maximum concentration in all the 90 minutes. I want to take the positives into the next match.”
However, it was not lost on Tonali that conceding late goals in the Premier League was becoming a habit for the Magpies.
Indeed, a 3-2 loss against Liverpool unfolded in the 100th minute in August and Tonali said: “It was similar (to the Liverpool match) but I think we want to win the game until the last minute.
“I think sometimes we need to use some experience and maybe a draw sometimes is the perfect result.”
Newcastle’s game in Belgium will be played at Lotto Park, the home of Anderlecht, to take on the Belgian Pro League leaders.
UEFA have ruled that Union Saint-Gilloise can’t play games at their own Joseph Marien Stadium as it does not meet the required standards for the Champions League.
Nevertheless the Belgians have made a flying start to the Champions League season with a 3-1 win away to PSV Eindhoven on match night one.
Union Saint-Gilloise have also not lost a game this season and maintained their form with a 2-0 win over Westerlo to stretch their advantage at the top to six points.
